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Calderwood, David, 1575-
1650.
The history of the Kirk of
' • I
c-opY 2.
CALDEEWOOD'S HISTORY
THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND.
VOLUME FOURTH.
THE WODROW SOCIETY,
INSTITUTED MAY, 1841^
FOR THE PUBLICATION OF THE WORKS OF THE FATHERS AND EARLY
WRITERS OF THE REFORMED CHURCH OF SCOTLAND.
THE
HISTORY
KIRK OF SCOTLAND.
MR DAVID CALDEKWOOD,
SOME TIME MINISTER OF CRAILING.
EDITED FROM THE ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT PRESERVED IN
THE BRITISH MUSEUM,
BY THE
REV. THOMAS THOMSON.
VOLUME FOURTH.
EDINBURGH:
PRINTED FOR THE WODROW SOCIETY.
M.DCCC.XLIII.
EDISDIKOU PRINTING COMPANY, SODTH ST DAVID STREET.
CONTENTS
THE FOURTPI VOLUME.
1584.
PAGE
Arrival of Brownists in Edinburgh, . . .1
Their opinions, ..... i6.
Their leader challenges the kirk-session of Edinburgh to a dispu-
tation, . . . . . ib.
They object to tlie church discipline of Scotland, . . 2
Application for Durie's return rejected by the King, . ib.
Andrew Melvill's sermon on Daniel iv. impugned, . . 3
Certification in its favour from the University of St Andrews, ib.
He appears before the Secret Council, . . 5
His protest and declinator, .... ib.
His account of the sermon, . . . .8
His boldness before the King and Lords, , . 10
He is sentenced to imprisonment in the Castle of Edinburgh, . II
The place changed to Blackness Castle, . . ib.
He escapes to England, . . . .12
Form of the (charge commanding him to enter into confinement, 13
Proclamation against him after his flight, . .15
ib.
VI CONTENTS.
PAGE
And sentence of banishment against the leaders in the Raid of
Ruthven, . • . . .16
Account of Mr Robert Bruce, . . • ^°
His training for the work of the ministry, . • 19
His diffident commencement, . . . to.
The King and Court under a false alarm, . . 20
All Assemblies, ecclesiastical as well as civil, prohibited in conse
quencc, . . . • •
The Earl of Gowrie sentenced to banishment, . • 21
His vacillation and fruitless repentance, . • «&•
He prepares for resistance, ...*&•
Is again ordered to quit the country, . . .23
Pretends to obey, but lingers at Dundee, . • 24
He is taken prisoner and brought to Edinburgh, . • ih.
Band of the Lords who plotted to surprise the Castle of Stirling, 26
Their proclamation at Stirling, . . . .27
They fly from the town at the King's approach, . 32
They escape to England, . • • .33
The Earl of Gowrie tried and executed, . • 34
His declaration upon the scaffold, . . .35
Magnanimity in his last moments, ... 36
A General Assembly attempted to be held, and its failure, . 37
Flight of certain ministers into England, . . 38
Vindication of their character from the charge of treason, &c.,
brought against them by Allan, . . . ib.
The Master of Oliphant and young Lochleven lost at sea, . 46
Letter of the exiled Lords at Berwick to the Queen of England, 47
Patrick Adamson returns from England, . . .49
His suspicious conduct there, . . . ib.
Articles which he presented to the French Church at London, and
the Churches of Geneva and Turin, &c., pretending that they
were the principles of Scottish Ecclesiastical Policy, . 50
Articles which he laboured to have confirmed by the Reformed
Churches, . . . . -53
Counter-propositions to which he subscribed at the formation of
the Book of Policy, ... 55
His singular behaviour during his embassy, . . 61
Parliament held at Edinburgh, . . . .62
Its treacherous conduct towards the Church, . , ib>
Access to the messengers of the Church denied, . . 63
CONTENTS. Vll
Acts of this parliament, .... 63
The magistrates ordered to imprison those ministers who should
preach against the acts, . • . .64
James Lawson and Walter Balcanqual condemn the acts in their
sermons, . . . • , ib.
They publicly protest against them, . • . 65
Arran's brutal threat on the occasion, • . . ib.
They are compelled to fly to England, . . . ib.
Throgmorton's apprehension and arraignment, . ib.
His confessions, . . . . .66
His remorse after confession, ... 69
The Spanish ambassador dismissed from England for his share in
Throgmorton's conspiracy, • . .71
List of persons oppressed by the King and his favourites, . 72
The King's dispensation for holding the exercise and kirk-session in
Edinburgh, . . • . . ib.
James Melvill flies to England, ... 73
Letter from James Lawson and Walter Balcanqual to their flock, ib.
Their declaration to the council and kirk-session of Edinburgh, 75
The kirk of Edinburgh urged to subscribe an answer written by
Patrick Adamson, . . . .78
Copy of Adamson's answer, ... 79
Reasons in writing circulated against subscribing this answer, 80
Adamson's answer in his own name to Lawson and Balcanqual, 83
Answer of the ministers to their flocks in consequence of their sub-
scription to Adamson's letter, . . . 91
Letter from the faithful part of their flock, . . 107
Apology of Mr Patrick Galloway, minister at Perth, . 110
His account of Montgomery's appointment to the Bishopric of
Glasgow, . . . .111
And of the new bishop's excommunication by the General Assem-
bly, . . . . . .112
And of his own opposition to the favour shown to Montgomery in
Perth by the King, .... ib.
For which he was menaced with death by the Duke of Lennox, 113
Galloway's account of his conduct during the Raid of Ruthven, 114
And of the Earl of Arran's attempts to cajole him, . 115
Arran's hatred towards him, . . . .110
The Earl procures spies to watch Galloway's sermons, . 117
Of which they give false reports. , . . ib.
Viii CONTENTS.
PAGE
Galloway ordered to be apprehended, . . 121
He escapes, ..... 122
Elders and deacons of Edinburgh accused of treason for adhering
to Lawson and Balcanqual, . . . ih.
They are summoned before the King at Falkland, . ib.
The King's debate with Blackburn on this occasion, . 123
Blackburn defends the doctrine of the ministers, . ib.
He is imprisoned, .... 124
The King sends to England for certain Scotish preachers, ib.
His invitation to Morison, and promises of preferment, . ib.
Morison refuses, .... 125
Reply of Janet Guthrie and Margaret Marjoribanks to Adamson's
calumnies against their husbands, Lawson and Balcanqual, 126
Substance of the dialogue between Henry and Edward, concerning
the lawfulness of subscribing the condemnatory letter against
Lawson and Balcanqual, . . . 141
Licence given by the King to the Archbishop of St Andrews to
exercise his archiepiscopal functions, , . 144
Mr John Ilowison rebukes the court for their proceedings, , 146
He is apprehended, and examined by the King and Privy Council, ib.
His examination, . . . . ib.
Jesuits permitted to come to Scotland, . . 148
James Melvill invited in England to preach to the banished
Lords, . . • . .149
He refuses, but is afterwards persuaded to comply, . ib.
Abuses and corruptions of the Kirk and Commonwealth of Scot-
land, (by James Melvill,) . . .150
Andrew Melvill writes to the Cliurches of Geneva and Zurich to
counteract Adamson's misrepresentations, . 157
His letter to the Churches, . . . 158
A dream of David Lindsay, Minister at Leith, . 167
Drummond of Blair's examination on a charge of conspiracy to sur-
prise the Castle of Edinburgh, and slay the Earl of Arran, 169
The custody of the Castle of Edinburgh committed to Arran, 170
Meeting appointed on the Border between Arran and Lord Iluns-
don, . . . . .171
Hunsdon's account of their conference, . . ih.
Arran endeavours to prejudice the cause of the banished Scotish
Lords, . . . . . ib.
Palliates or denies his own infringements of amity with England, 174
CONTENTS. IX
List of grievances presented by Hunsdon, • . 176
Arran's answer to the list of grievances exhibited by Hunsdon, ib.
Reply to his answer by an anonymous author, . . 178
Proof that the exiled Scots are persecuted for their attachment to
Queen Elizabeth, . . . , ib.
Charge of treason against them disproved, . . ib.
Reply to Arran's Second answer, . . 181
Hostility to England proved by the prohibition of Scotish exiles
to repair thither, .... ib.
Reply to Arran's Third answer, . . 182
Contrast between the Scotish rebels received in England, and
English rebels harboured in Scotland, . . ib.
Reply to Arran's Fourth answer, . . 183
Proof that James was willing to associate his mother with him in
the government, . . . . ib.
Reply to Arran's Fifth answer, . . . 181
Proof that James was secretly negotiating with the Pope, . ib.
Reply to Arran's Sixth answer, . . . 185
Discourteous treatment of the English Ambassadors in Edin-
burgh, . . . . . ib.
Letter thrown into the pulpit of Edinburgh, charging the ministers
to be faithful in time of danger, . . 189
Instructions of the banished Lords to John Colvill on matters to be
propounded to the Queen of England, . .192
Their Letter to the Queen, . . . I94
A parliament held at Edinburgh, . . .197
Arran's infamous behaviour to the Countess of Gowrie on this oc-
casion, • • ' • • ib.
Nobles and gentlemen forfaulted at this parliament, . 1 98
Ministers summoned before the Council, . . jj.
Altercation there between Arran and Craig, . . n,^
Craig's prediction of Arran's downfall, and its verification, . I99
Form of Rutherford's admission to the ministry, . . H)^
The wives of the fugitive ministers persecuted, . 200
David the Devil slain, .... jj,
Arran appointed Provost of Edinburgh, . . jj^
Death of James Lawson in London, . , 201
Account of his last moments, . . . j5.
His Testament, . . . . . ib.
A forged Testament written by the Bishop of St Andrews, 208
CONTENTS.
Claud riamiltou returus to Scotland, . . 208
The ministers urged by the King to subscribe obedience to their
Ordinary, . . . . . 209
They refuse, .... 210
List of those who afterwards subscribed, . . ib.
Form of their submission, . . . ib.
The King's severity towards the recusants, . .211
Their appeal to his Majesty, . . . ib.
Reasons wliy they cannot obey the Archbishop of St Andrews, 214
Or any prelate whatever, • . . ib.
Their arguments for Presbyterian parity, . . 215
James Melvill prohibited to preach at Berwick, . 218
His letter to those ministers in Scotland who had subscribed obe-
dience to their Ordinary, . . .210
William Aird's calling to the ministry, . . 235
List of reasons for the ministers to refuse obedience to their Ordi-
nary, ..... 237
Examination of Graham of Peartree, . . 239
His account of the King and Arran's dealing with him to assas-
sinate the Earl of Angus, . . . ib.
The Master of Gray traduces the banished ministers, . 240
The Master of Gray's behaviour during his embassy in England, 241
Account of his previous life and practices, . . 242
Death of Lord Seton, .... 243
Mr Nicol Dalgleish, Minister of the West Kirk, accused of praying
for the banished ministers, . . . 244
His examination before the King, and imprisonment, . ib.
Letter containing an account of the oppressive proceedings against
the Church in P^dinburgh, , . . 245
Certain ministers subscribe the band of obedience, . 246
Craig's letter inciting the other ministers to subscribe, . ib.
Several are deluded into subscription, . . 247
Account of the grievances of the banished Lords since the alteration
at St Andrews, .... 248
1585.
Adamson appointed to vindicate the acts of parliament enacted in
the preceding year, .... 254
His Apology inserted in Iloliushed's History, . ib.
Copy of this Apology, .... ib.
CONTENTS. XI
List of the King's Intentions in behalf of religion and the church, 267
Answer to the Archbishop's Apology, . . 269
Answer to the account of the King's Intentions, . . 274
Dialogue between Zelator, Temporizar, and Palemon, . 295
Proclamation establishing ecclesiastical commissioners, . 339
New plots of Queen Mary detected in England, . 343
Band subscribed in England for Queen Elizabeth's protection, 344
Edmonston of Dunti-eath's deposition, . . . 345
Describes three plots to assassinate King James, . 346
The Lairds of Mains and Drumv/hassel executed, . . 347
The banished Lords remove from Newcastle, . . 348
A Synodal Assembly held at Edinburgh, . . ib.
Articles imposed upon the ministers and office-bearers of the kirk, 349
Dr Parry confesses his plot to kill Queen Elizabeth, . 350
Ministers in Scotland persecuted to subscribe to the band, 351
The King's contempt for the persecutors, . . ih.
The banished Lords accused at London, . . 352
Their answer to the accusations, . . . lb.
They deny Duntreath's deposition against them, and prove its false-
hood, ..... 353
The banished Lords' supplication to King James, . . 359
Their denial of any design to assassinate him, . 360
The King banqueted at Dirleton, , . . 366
Sir Philip Sydney comforts the banished Lords, . ib.
Mr James Carmichael's letter to Secretary Walsingham, vindi-
cating the character of his fellow exiles, . . 367
Wotton sent Ambassador to Scotland, . . 372
The Earl of Northumberland commits suicide in the Tower, , ib.
His plots in favour of the Queen of Scots, . , ib.
A Convention held at St Andrews, . . 373
The King's speech recommending a religious league with Eng-
land, . . . . . ib.
Form of the league, .... 375
The pestilence in Edinburgh, . . . 377
Lord Russel killed on a day of truce, . . . 378
Elizabeth in consequence grants leave to the banished Lords to re-
turn home, .... 379
Duntreath recants his deposition against them, . . 380
The banished Lords leave London, and come to the Borders, 381
Letter of Patrick Forbes from Berwick to James Melvill, . ib.
Xll CONTENTS.
PAGE
The banished Lords enter Scotland, and gather forces, . 383
Their proclamation, .... ib.
Their complaint of the King's evil counsellors, . . ih.
The wrongs endured by the Scotish nobility, • 385
The injuries inflicted upon the ministers and religion, . ib.
The attempts of these evil counsellors to involve Scotland and
England in war, .... 386
The Lords express their determination to reform these abuses, 387
Thej advance to the siege of Stirling, . . 389
They assault the town, .... ib.
Arran and his party defeated, and the town taken, . 390
The King from the Castle treats with the Lords, . . 391
He grants all their conditions, . . . 392
Notes proving that Lennox' and Arran's, &c. courses sought,
1. The wreck of religion, . . . 393
2. The wreck of the King's soul, body, honour, crown, and
estate, . ... 406
3. The wreck of the commonwealth, . . 410
4. To break the unity between England and Scotland, 413
Account of the reformation of these abuses at Ruthven, . 416
The alteration at St Andrews, . . . 418
Other notes proving that Arran and Colonel Stewart's courses pro-
moted the wreck of true religion, . . 422
New notes proving that Arran and Colonel Stewart by their courses
promoted the wreck of the King's soul, body, honour, crown,
and estate, ..... 432
New notes proving tliat their courses promoted the ruin of the
commonwealth, .... 438
New notes proving that their courses promoted breach of amity
between England and Scotland, . . . 441
Early History of the Earl of Arran, . . 448
Early History of Colonel Stewart, . . . ib.
A Convention of ministers summoned at Dunfermline, ib.
Judgment upon the Laird of Pitfirran, who shut the town gates
against them, .... 449
Reluctance of the Lords to procure redress for tlie Church, . ib.
Ministers desired to present their objections to the Acts of the
Parliament of 1584, . . . .450
Their objections, .... ib.
They show that the First Act impairs the liberty of the Church, ib.
CONTENTS. xiii
PAGE
That the Second gives the King an undue power of judging in mat-
ters ecclesiastical, . . . 450
Thatbj the Third, the ecclesiastical estate in parliament was com-
posed of bishops only, . . .451
That bj the Fourth, the ecclesiastical jurisdiction is unconstitu-
tionally subjected to the control of parliament, . 452
That bj the Fifth, those ministers who sit in parliament are unjustly
exempted from the control of the Church, . 454
That by the Sixth, the bishops have not only plurality of benefices,
but jurisdiction in matters civil, by which ministers are ex-
cluded from their seat in parliament, as one of the estates, ib.
That by the Thirteenth act, the revenues of the Church are dimi-
nished, ..... 455
That by the Twentieth, undue power is granted to the Archbishop
of St Andrews and the bishops, . . 456
Objections of the ministers to the unprinted acts, . . 457
That the King and parliament had rescinded Montgomery's ex-
communication, .... ih.
Supplication of the ministers, . . . 458
The King's answer to their objections, . . 459
Supplication of the Commissioners of the Church, in consequence, 464
Proceedings of the parliament, . . . 465
Conference between the Earl of Angus and Hume of Godscroft
upon Mr Craig's sermon on the submission due to kings, 466
Conference between the King and the minister of Pencaitland, 484
1586.
Lord Maxwell committed for causing mass to be said, . 489
State of the Church at this period, . , ib.
The King rebukes Walter Balcanqual in church, . . 491
Conference between some of the Council and Ministers at Holy-
roodhouse, .... ib.
Heads agreed upon, .... ib.
Decision concerning the charge and authority of a bishop, . ib.
Of Synodal and General Assemblies, . . 493
Of the jurisdiction of the Church, . , . ib.
Synodal Assembly of Fife assembled, . . 494
The Archbishop of St Andrews sits in the synod, . . 495
James Melvill's sermon, exposing the crimes of the archbishop, lb.
The archbishop's behaviour in consequence, . 496
XIV CONTENTS.
PACK
Melvill requests a testimonial from the synod of the doctrine of his
sermon, ..... 4.96
The synod summons the arclibishop to answer certain charges, ih.
He refuses to appear, and is pronounced contumacious, . 497
They find him worthy of excommunication, . . ih.
He professes his readiness to submit, . . . ih.
His answer in person to the synod, . . 498
The synod's reply to his objections, . . . 499
He appeals from the synod to the General Assembly, . 501
The synod ordains him to be excommunicated, . . ih.
The arclibishop's counter- excommunication, . 503
His causeless alarm at tlie meeting in the New College, . ih.
His appellation against the seutence of excommunication, with
James Melvill's answers, . . . 504
The Earl of Arran banished, . . . 547
The Earl of Angus made Warden of the AVest Borders, . ih.
Meeting of the General Assembly, . . • 548
The King's harangue to the Assembly, . ih.
David Lindsay appointed Moderator, . . 549
Demand made to the King for the books of the Assem-
bly, . . . . ih.
The Kings answer, . . . ih.
Trial of bishops, .... 550
The archbishop's appellation considered, . ih.
The protest of the Synod of Fife that their sentence should
be valid, . . . .551
Middle course adopted by the Assembly, , ih.
Andrew Hunter's protest against the decision of the As-
sembly, . . . . . 552
Andrew MelviU and Thomas Buchanan's protest, . 553
Allotment of presbyteries to the whole country, . 555
Of Synods, and their places of meeting, . . 556
Two articles proposed concerning office-bearers in the
Church, and that have a right to vote in the General
Assembly, .... 557
The King's proposal that they should accept bishops, . 558
Answer and vote of the Assembly upon the proposal, . ih.
Their limitations to the power of a bishop, . 559
Commissioners of dioceses, and their authority, . ih.
The King objects to these limitations, . 560
CONTENTS. XV
PAGE
Petition of the Assembly to the King concerning the esta-
blishment of the policy of the kirk, . . 562
Commissioners of provinces appointed by the King, and ad-
mitted by the Assembly, . . 566
Articles presented by the Assembly to the King, and agreed to, 567
List of presbyteries, . . . . 571
Labom- of the King to have Adamson's sentence of excom-
munication annulled, . . . 583
Many of the Assembly awed or flattered, . ih.
Andrew Melvill warded, .... 584
Act of Council decreeing his warding, . . ih.
The University of St Andrews petitions in his favour, . 586
Andrew Melvill set at liberty, . , . ib.
Archibald Douglas cleared by an assize of the murder of Darnley, ib.
League concluded between England and Scotland, . . 587
Babington's conspiracy against Queen Elizabeth, . ib.
Queen Mary's letter to Babington, . . . 589
She suggests the method of a successful invasion of England, 590
And various plans for her own escape from confinement, . 592
Advises a leader of the conspiracy to be chosen, . 593
And that the conspirators should beware of spies, . . 594
Babington and Queen Mary apprehended, . . 595
Account of Babington's conspiracy, . . ib.
Examination of Queen Mary and her Secretaries, . . 597
She is found guilty, .... 598
Report of the second speech of the Speaker of the House of Com-
mons, urging the punishment of Queen Mary, . . 599
Queen Elizabeth's answer, . . . 601
Intercessions in favour of the Queen of Scots, . . 602
The Synod of Merse, . . . . 603
Protest of the Synod against a public slander upon the ministry, ib.
The ministers clear themselves from the charge of want of unanimity, ib.
Justice courts lield at Kirkcudbright, . . . 605
Exertions in Scotland in favour of Queen Mary, . ib.
The King interrupts a minister in the pulpit, . . 606
He apologizes for so doing, . . . ib.
Andrew Melvill and the Masters of the New College prohibited
from preaching in English, . , . 607
Execution of Queen Mary, . . . 608
Her answer to the sentence, .... ih.
Her behaviour on the scaffold, . . . 609
xvi CONTENTS.
PAGE
Secretary Davidson's imprisoument for giving up the warrant for
Mary's execution, .... GIO
Queen Elizabeth's pretended ignorance of the execution of Queen
Mary, . . • .011
Behaviour of King James after his mother's execution, . ib.
An English ambassador sent to pacify him, . . ib.
Pecuniary remuneration accepted by James for his mother's death, 612
Ambassadors sent from Scotland to France and Denmark, • ib.
The Master of Gray accused of treason, . . ib.
His punishment, . . • • .613
Deadly feuds between the nobles reconciled, . . ib.
The Master of Gray banished from Scotland, • • 614
A General Assembly, .... 615
Andrew Melvill chosen Moderator, . . • ib.
The King and Justice-Clerk commissioners to the Assembly, ib.
Demand for the restitution of the books of the Assembly, ib.
Five volumes restored, in a mutilated state, . 617
Trial of Patrick Adamson, . . . ib.
Accusations against him, . . . ib.
Trial of the Bishop of Aberdeen, . . . 618
Trial of the Bishop of Dunkeld, . 619
Trial of Mr R. Montgomery, . • . ib.
Trial of the Commissioner of Caithness, . . 620
Examination of the books of the Commissioners, . ib.
The Commissioner of Lothian accused and tried, . ib.
Trial of the act of admission to the Bishopric of Glasgow, 621
Enquiry concerning Non-residents, . . 622
Examination of the King's charges against Cowper and Gib-
son, ..... 623
A minister censured for celebrating a private marriage, 624
Judgment of the Assembly about the Bishopric of Caith-
ness, offered to Mr R. Pont, . . ib.
Answer of the Assembly to the King upon this proposed pre-
ferment, ..... 625
Acts of parliament against Papists ordered to be collected, 626
Acts of this Assembly, . . . 627
Questions, ..... 629
Articles proposed on the part of the King to the Assembly, 630
Instructions to the Commissioners of Assembly on these
subjects, .... 631
A Commission, . . 633
CONTENTS. XVH
Calling of Robert Bruce to the ministry, . . 634
The King and Du Bartas visit the College of St Andrews, . 63*8
Andrew Melvill's lecture on the occasion, . . ib.
Judgment of Du Bartas on Mclvill and Archbishop Adamson, 639
A parliament held amidst a contention among the nobles, . ih.
Decrees of this parliament, . . . 640
Coining of Achesons prohibited, . . . 641
The Lairds of Cessford and Balcleugh warded, . ib.
BuU of Sextus V. deposing Queen Elizabeth, . . ib.
Rumours in Scotland of the Spanish Armada, . 647
1588.
Prediction that this year should be a year of wonders, . 648
A General Assembly, .... 649
Remedies against Popery, , . . 650
And for the planting of kirks, . . . ib.
Advice of the Nobles, Barons, and Gentlemen, to the King,
on purging the land of Papists, . . 651
Result of tlieir conference on the planting of kirks, . 652
Supplication of the Assembly presented to the King, 654
Grievances of the Assembly, . . . Q5Q
Papists prevalent in the South about Dumfries, . 657
In the North, ... . 658
In Ross, .... 659
In Caithness, .... 660
In Mearns and Angus, . . , . ib.
In Fife, . . . .661
In Lothian, Presbytery of Edinburgh, . ib.
In Merse and Teviotdale, . . . 662
In the Presbytery of Lanark, . . ib.
In Stirling, ..... 663
In Dunblane, . . . . ib.
In Glasgow, .... ib.
In Dumbarton, .... 664
In Ayr, , . . . . ib.
Articles of the Exchequer, and their answers, . 666
Patrick Adamson censured, . . . 668
Robert Montgomery allowed to be admitted to a pastor-
ship, ■ • . . 670
Appeal for repairing of Churches, . , . ib,
VOL. IV. b
XVIU CONTENTS.
PAGE
Application for the Thirds for planting Churches, . G70
An Act of the Assembly for the repentance of malefactors, G71
Visitors appointed, .... if>.
Persons required to subscribe the Confession of Faith, 672
Visitors continued, . . . . iO.
James Gibson suspended from the ministry, . ib.
Mr John Cowpcr transported to (lilasgow, . 675
A fast appointed, . . . • 676
An inroad upon the Borders proclaimed, . . ih.
Suspicion of a conspiracy, .... ib.
The King- refuses to change the Officers of State, . 677
The King's journey to the South, . . 678
Lord Maxwell apprehended and warded, . . ib.
Sir William Stewart slain, . . . 670
Death of the Earl of Angus, . . . . 680
Captain Sempil apprehended, ... ib.
Preparation in Scotland for resistance to the landing of the
Spaniards, . . . • 681
A General Assembly, . . . 682
Dangers from Papists to be prevented, . . ib.
A suspicious ship to be examined, . 684
The King's good will towards the church announced, . ib.
Proposal for provision to ministers, . . 685
Patrick Adamson accused, . . . 686
Excuses his non-appearance on the plea of sickness, . 687
Visitors and commissioners, . . . 688
Acts for the poor, . . . 689
Acts against burial in churches, . . . ib.
Fast appointed the first day of every Assembly, . 690
Questions, . . . . .691
Commission for Papists, ... ib.
James Gibson purged of contumacy, . . ib,
Robert Bruce refuses to accept an ordinary charge in Edin-
burgh, .... 692
The overthrow of the Spanish Armada, . . ib.
The Popish Lords traffic with the Spaniards, . . 695
A universal fast, . . . . 696
Iluntly made Captain of the Guard, . . ib.
CONTENTS. XIX
APPENDIX.
PAGE
The Testament of James Lawson, first minister of EdinLurgb,
forged by Archbishop Adamson, . . 697
The first article of his confession, . . 698
The second article, . . .701
The third article — Epistle to Mr James Hay, Minister of
Renfrew, . . . 710
To Mr David Lindsay, Minister at Leith, . 712
To Mr George Hay, . . 713
To Mr Robert Pont, Provost of the Queen's Hos-
pital, . . .714
To certain brethren of the ministry, . . 715
To certain others, . . . 716
Admonitions to Messrs Andrew and James Melvill, &c. 7 1 7
The fourth article, directed to
The Queen of England, . . ,719
The King of Scotland, . . 722
The Nobility of Scotland, . , 726
The Boroughs of Scotland, . . 728
The Bishops of Scotland, . . 730
CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE
THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND.
M.D.LXXXrV.
THE BEOWNISTS COME TO DWELL IN THE HEID OF THE
CANNOGATE.
Upon Thursday, the 9 th of Januar, an Englishman, called Ro-
bert Brown, came to Edinburgh out of Flanders. He landed at
Dundie, and having gottin support there, he came to St Andrewes,
where he purchassed a letter of commendatioun from Mr Andrew
Melvill to Mr James Lowsone. There came in companie with him
foure or five Englishmen, with their wives and famileis. They
held opinioun of separatioun from all kirks where excommunication
was not rigorouslie used against open offenders not repenting.
They would not admitt witnesses in baptisme ; and sindrie other
opiniouns they had. This Brown was their preacher. Upon
Tuisday the 14th, he made shew, after an arrogant maner, before
the sessioun of the kirk of Edinburgh, that he would mainteane,
that witnesses at baptisme was not a thing indifferent, but simplie
evill. But he failed in the probation. He affirmed, as the manu-
script beareth, that the soules died. He and his companie re-
mained at the heid of the Cannogate.
VOL. IV. A
CALDERWOOU'S IIISTOKIE 1584.
SETON S AMBASSADGE TO FRANCE.
Upon Thursday the 16th, the Lord Setoun tooke ship at Leith
toward France. He had in companie with him Holt and Brereton,
Englishmen. It was thought that some English shipp lay in wait
for them, but they came safe to France.
Upon Tuisday the 21st, Robert BroAvne, the ringleader of the
Brownists, in conference with some of the presbyterie, alledged
that the Avhole discipline of Scotland was amisse : that he and his
companie were not subject to it, and, therefore, he Avould appeale
from the kirk to the magistrat. It was thou2;ht o'ood that Mr
James Lowsone and Mr Johne Davidsone sould gather out of his
booke and their practise suche opiniouns as they suspected or per-
ceaved them to erre in, and gett them ready against Moonday
nixt, to pose him and his followers therupon, that therafter the
king might be informed.
Upon Wednisday the 22d, Mr Robert Pont and Johne Brand
were sent from the presbyterie, Johne Adamsone and Alexander
Udward from the kirk of Edinburgh, Mr Michaell Chisholm and
Robert Henrysone, barbar, from the counscll of the toun, to the
king, to sute licence to Johne Durie to retume to his charge till
the nixt Generall Assemblie, that farther order might be taikin
with him. The king uttered manie sharpe words, and said, he
tooke them all for his enemeis that spake for him : that he was
unworthie to be in the ministrie ; that his doctrine was false and
erroneous ; that he could not abide his lawes ; that their requeist
tended to seditioun, and therefore he would see to it. Mr Robert
Pont answered, he had oft heard his doctrine, but heard nothing
Avhich he was not able to defend. They could obteane no other
answere. The king rebookcd afterward the Proveist of Edinburn-h
sharpelie for sending anie frome the counsell of the toun to sute for
Johne Durie.
Upon Friday the 24tli, Mr David Chalmers [was] examined by
Mr Johne Craig, Mr Robert Pont, Mr David Lindsay, and Mr
1584. OF THE KIRK OP SCOTLAND. 3
Johnc Davidsonc, and found ignorant in the coutvoversie of justi-
ficatioun, and of the sacrifice of the masse. He was remitted to
his booke, to come better prepared the nixt Moonday.
Upon Tnisday the 28tlT, Kobert Browne, with the rest of his
complices, were called before the presbyterie of Edinburgh, and
continued till the morne. He acknowledged and avowed his bookes,
and other things writtin by him. Mr James Lowsone and Mr
Johne Davidsone were appointed to gather the erroneous articles,
to be presented to the king. But they were interteaned and fos-
tered to molest the kirk.
In the beginning of Februar, Mr Andrew Melvill was sum-
moned to compeere before the Lords of Secreit Counsell, upon
Moonday, the elleventh of this instant, to answere for some
speeches uttered by him at the last fast, in his sermoim upon the
4th of Daniel. William Stuart was sent to Sanct Andrewes, as a
spy, to entrap Mr Andrew. He alledged to the king, that Mr An-
drew had compared his mother to Nebuchadnezar that was chassed
from the kingdome. He Avas summouned, upon Saturday the 8th,
to compeir upon Moonday. He obteaneth a testimoniall from the
iniiversitie before he tak journey, the tenor wherof followcth : —
" Seing that the wonderfull Providence of God has, from all
eternitie, ordeaned, and the Scriptures plainlie forewarned, that of
necessitie slaunders sould arise, to the effect that his ownc elect
sould be tried ; and our Maister, Christ, of this point In speciall
has made his faithfuU servants foreseene that they sould be drawin
before the tribunall seates of princes, and calumniouslie delated ;
and also, the experience of all ages from time to time, till our dayes,
has sealed this as an undoubted truthe, we thouo-ht it nothino-
strange to heare our brother, Mr Andrew Melvill, Proveist of the
New Colledge, calumniouslie traduced to your Majestic and Ho-
nourable Counsell, as a seditious subject, tending, by his doctrine,
to call your crown in qucstioun, and to steale the hearts of your
Majestie's subjects from your obedience ; and to that effect charged
this day, as we are crediblie informed. Yit, notwithstanding, be-
ing bound and oblished of that Christian duetie whereby we ought
4 calderwood's iiistorie 1584.
to glorifie God, in giving faithfuU testimonie to his truthe, and of
that debtfull obedience whereby cverie one of us is bound to your
Hienesse in particuhir, We, Rector, Deanes of Faculteis, Profes-
sors, Regents, and Masters, within the Universitie of Sanct An-
drewes, conveened togetlier in the feare of God, after incalling
upon liis name, liave thought it meetc to send furth this our testi-
monie by our commissioners appointed for that effect, Mr Robert
Bruce, Mr Robert Wilkic, to your Majestic and Honourable Coun-
sell, whereby we will most hiunblie crave that your Majestic and
Honorable Counsell be fullie pcrsAvaded, and out of doubt, that
whatsomcver is layed to our brother's charge, so long as he occu-
pied the chairc of veritie, and place in schoolcs within this citie, as
it is false and fained of the self, so it is onlie forged of the devill
and of his instruments, to bring the faithfull servants of God in
contempt and hatred of their supreme magistrat ; which God for-
bid. For we, as we were continuall and diligent auditors of his
doctrine, so we beare him faithfull record in God and in conscience
that we heard nothing out of his mouth, nather in doctrine nor ap-
plicatioun, which tendit not directlie to the glorie of God, to the
establishment of your Majestie's crowne, and to everie one of our
particular comforts and edificatioun. And whensoever the occa-
sioun offered the self in speciall to speekc of your Majestic, in God
and conscience, as we have said, we heard him never but in great
zeale and earnest prayer recommend your INIajestie's estate unto
his protectioun, exhorting alwise all manor of subjects to acknow-
ledge their obedience even to the meanest magistrates, your
Hienesse' subjects, as bearing a portioun of that image for which
they are called Gods in earth. Therefore, we most humblie, in all
reverence, would crave of your ISIajestie and your Honourable
Counsell not to be slaundered nor offended in this incident ; for as
it is one of the proper effects of the Word of God, so it is the or-
dinarie way Avhereby God commounlie brings about his owne
worke to the glorie of his owne name, to the comfort of the godlle,
and to the closing of the blasphemous mouths of the supposts of
Sathan, who are not ashamed, in so manifest a light, so horriblie to
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 5
lee upon tlie servant of God. And for verificatioun lieerof, we
have subscrived thir presents Avitli our hand, and have ordeaned
our seale to be affixed thereto. At Sanct Andrewes, the 8th day
of Februar 1584.
" Mr James Wilkie, Rector, Mr James Martlne, Deane of Fa-
cultie, Mr Johne Robertsone, Professor of Theologie, Mr James
Melvill, Professor of Theologie, Mr Willlame Wallat, Professor of
the Mathematicks, Mr Robert Bruce, Mr Thomas Buchanan, Mr
Robert Inscho, Mr David Monypennle, Mv Robert Wilkle, Mr
AViniam Marchcj'^lNIr William Cranstoun, Mr James Robertsoun, Mr
Johne Caldcleuch, Mr Johne Malcolme, Mr Andrew Duncan, Mr
David Martin, My Johne Rutherfoord, Mr Archibald Muncreif,
Mr Walter Abercrummie, ^Mr David Blyth, Mr Marke Ker, Mr
Gawin Borthwick, J\lr Johne Likprevick, Mr AndrcAV Inglls, Mr
David Inglis, Mr William Murrey, Mr James Alton, Mr Hector
Monro, Mr James Bennet."
Notwithstanding of the shortness of time, he compeered upon
Moonday, and declared by word of mouth what he had said. But
the secund time, he gave in his declaratioun, together with a de-
clinatour. Certane commissioners were present, sent from the
presbytereis to protest in name of the kirk. The commissioners of
the universltle likewise were present, for the interest of their privi-
ledge, to repledge him to the judgement of the universltle, but
none of them were admitted. His cheefe care and prayer to God
was, that the kirk sould not be piTJudged in his person. The
tenor of the protestation, decllnatour, and declaration followeth : —
" Imprimis, I, Mr Andrew Melvill, protests before God and his
elect angels, as I did the first day of my compeerance in presence
of the king's Majestic, and his Grace's Honourable Counsell, that I
spake nothing in that sermon, nor anie other sermon made by me,
tending to the slaunder or dishonour of the king's IMajestle, my
soverane, in anie wise ; but in the contrare, exhorted alwlse all his
Hienesse' subjects to obedience and reverence of his Majestic,
whome God in his mercie hath placed lawfull king and supreme
magistrat In the civill governement of this countrie ; and most
6 calderwood's htstorie 1584.
eamestlie has prayed at all times, and especiallie in the forsaid ser-
mon, for the preservation and prosperous estate of his Majestic.
"/ife-m, Seing the plaine Word of God, acts of parliament, and
the late conference betuixt certane lords of the king's Majestie's
most Honourable Counsell, and some ministers depute by the king's
Majestic and the kirk, and practise insuing heerupon, craves, that
when a minister is delated for anie thing spokin by him in preach-
ing of the Word, or publict prayers, the same to be first tried by
his ordinar, to witt, particular assemblie, provinciall or generall;
and it is of truthe, that the accusatioun givin in against me is of
certane words alledged spokin by me in preaching of God's Word,
and praying for the king's Majestic ; therefore, I protest most
humblie, that in respect of God's ordinance, acts of parliament,
conference and practise forsaid, the triell of the forsaid accusatioun
may be remitted to the ordinar judge, which is the Assemblie of
the Kirk, as said is.
" Item, Seing that the old counsells and doctors, according to
God's Word, have found it most expedient, for the more easie
triell of all slaunders, namelie, in the persons of ministers, that the
samine sould be tried in thfit place where they are raised, and it is
of truthe that this preaching wherupon the slaunder arises, where-
with I am burthened, was made in Sanct Andrewes, therefore 1
protest, and earnestlie willis, that the mater may be tried and
judged there.
" Item, That seing the king's Majestie's most noble progenitors
has granted to all masters, and actuall students of the universiteis
of Sanct Andrewes, a speciall privilcdge, latelie confirmed by his
Majestie's self, and the three estats in parliament, that whenever a
master or student is accused of anie ofi'ence, and speciallie within
the universiteis, that the rector and his assessors sail be judge in
prima instantia. But sua it is, that I am an actuall master, at this
present, in Sanct Andrewes, and my sermon, as said is, was preach-
ed there, and, therefore, I protest, and most humblie require, that,
at the least, I may injoy the forsaid privilcdge.
" Item, Adhering to my forsaids protestations, and nowise pass-
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 7
ing therefra, I protest before God, that I spake nothing wherof I
had not the sure ground and sufficient warrant in the directing
Word of God ; and as I offered before, so now I offer, to verifie by
the Old and New Testament, testes omni exceptione major es.
" Item, For the more evident declaratioun of the same, as of be-
fore, so yitt I offer the testimonies of the most learned, most wise,
and godlie of the congregation of Sanct Andrewes ; to witt, the
testimonie of the universitie, directing, subscrived, and sealed ; the
testimonie of the sessioun of the kirk of Sanct Andrewes, writtin
and subscrived by the elders and deacons therof : and the testis
monie of the proveist, bailiffes, and counsell, subscrived by their
clerk, in their name, and at their command, according to their
custome, and sealed with their scale ; and the testimonie of the
presbyterie, subscrived with the clerk thereof.
" Item, Seing I am a lawfull and obedient subject, and a teacher
of God's Word, I crave humblie, that I may have the benefii;e of a
subject, to witt, to know who is my accuser, or yom* Majestie's in-
former, according to the receaved laws of the countrie, and in re-
spect of the circumstances that are knitt up in my persoun, that
God has made me a teacher of his Word. I most humblie ci'ave
this llbertie and priviledge, that God grants me in the same Word,
to witt, that no maner of accusatioun ought to be had and receaved
against the teacher of God's Word, without there be two or three
witnesses to stand by the accusation, before the mater enter in
practise, or anie witnesse be receaved to prove the samine.
" Item, Seing the report has beene made to the king's Majestie
to alienat, if it were possible, his Grace's heart from his obedient
subjects, if the report be found false, as it is indeed false and ca-
lumnious, that the misreporter may incurre the punishment pre-
scrived in the acts of parliament.
" Item, That in respect that the ground of the accusatioun de-
pends upon the informer, I crave most hmnblie that his qualiteis
be considered, and that I may have my owne place to object
against him, according to the lawes. And if it sail be found that
William Stuart be the informer, I say, his informatioun ought
8 calderwood's msTORiE 1584.
no maner of wise to be receaved, or prejudge me in anle sort, In
respect that it proceeds of a lurking hatred and malice conceaved
by him against me, which he made manifest in open words, sindrie
and diverse times, wherby he testifeis his inward rancour ; shoring
to offer me bodilie harme wherever he met me, Avhich I tak me to
prove sufficientlie. And as this reasoun ought to be sufficient to
make his informatloun suspect, so it is altogether relevant to sett
him, In case he compeere, to be receaved as witnesse against me.
And howbeit I adhere to my former protestatiouns, as most rea-
sonable and agreeable to the Scripture of God, and lawes of the
countrie, neverthelessc, for the farther clearing of my innocencle,
and removing of all sinlstrous suspicioun, I sail sett doun the
truthc, as God sail assist me with his Spirit, and as my memorie
AvIU serve.
" First, I having just occasioun offered by my text, the example
of Daniel applying the historic of Nebuchadnezar to his sonne
Balthasar, and that before Daniel had read his text, which was
the wrytting on the wall, I layed the ground of generall doctrine,
which I confirmed by this, and other places of Scripture ; to wItt,
that the ministers of God's Word sould apply the exemples of God's
mercle and judgements in all ages, to kings, princes, and people of
their time ; and how that, the neerer the persons be unto us, the
more the exemple belongs unto us. ' But If now a dayes,' said I,
' a minister would rehearse in the court the exemple that fell out
In King James the Thrld's dayes, who was abused by the flatterle
of his courteours, he sould be said to vaig frome his text, and per-
chance accused of treasoun.' This is als necre the words as I can
remember.
" Secundlie, As concerning the words, that our Nebuchadnezar
was twise sevin yeeres banished, and would be restored agalne,
and that I meant therby the king's Majestie's mother, as his mean-
ing was, it was never my minde. So I remember never to have
spokin thir words.
" Thridlle, I protest before God, that nather In that sermoun,
nor anle other, I spake thir words, ' The king is unlawfullle pro-
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAJ^D. 9
motcd to the crowne,' or aiiie words or meaning sounding thereto ;
for I putt never in questioun his Majestie's lawfull authoritie. But
as it was the speciall thing, that the kirk to this houre has con-
stanthe mainteaned, so at all times have I travelled, according
to my calling, in reasoning, in preaching, in prayer privat and
publict, so farre as lay in me, to advance, confirrae, and establishe
the same, as all these among whom I have conversed from the
beginning can testifie.
" Therefore, simplie, I confesse, falling in specking in my doc-
trine, of the advancement of Nebuchadnezar to his kingdom by
God, and of his unthankfulnesse and punishment ; ' Therefore,'
said I, ' seing Nebuchadnezar, who heritablie succeeded in the
kingdome to his father being dead, of sufficient age, indued with
wisdome, learning, liberalitie, and other civill vertues, and having
vanquished by himself as a valiaunt captan and lieutenant in his
father's time, and after his father s decease being made king by all
his forces and nobilitie, he continued conqueising sindrie natiouns ;
yitt Daniel, making no mentioun of vertues, sayes, that God gave
him a kingdome ; wherof I gather, as also of other places of Scrip-
ture, that whether it be by electioun, successioun, or other ordinar
middess that kings are advanced, it is God that makes kings ;
which all is easilie forgett by them. For suche is the infirmitie of
man, being in preeminence, as the experience of all kings beares
record, that not onlie theeves and idolaters, but also godlie kings,
extraordinarilic placed in authoritie by God above his OAvne people,
have forgett the Advancer.' And to this effect, I aUedged the
cxemple of David, extraordinarilic called frome the sheepe ; Salo-
mon, extraordinarilic preferred to his elder brethrein ; Joas, extra-
ordinarilic in his tender age made king ; and all forgett God who
advanced them, and therefore were punished. And in place of ap-
plicatioun of this doctrine, I made a prayer, according to my ac-
customed maner, whensoever I speeke of the king's Majestic, that
seing this has been, and is the infirmitie even of the godlie kings,
it would please the Lord, of his mercie, never to suffer our king to
forgett the goodnesse of that God who, so extraordinarilie, by his
10 calderwood's historie 1584.
speciall grace, made him king over this countrie, he being a bairne
in the craddell, his mother yitt alive, and a great part of his iiobi-
litie his eneraeis for the time ; and who hath preserved him heereto,
since the heavie bmthen of the governement was layed upon his
shoulders. This is the verie forme and words, so farre as I can
remember."
MR A. MELVILL FLEETH TO ENGLAND,
After he had declined the king and Captan James, lieing ac-
cused upon no civill crime or transgressioun, but upon liis doctrine
uttered frome pulpit, the which Avhen the king and Captan James,
then made Great Chanceller, with roarings of lyons and messages
of death, had taikin so bote, that all the counsell and courts of the
palace were filled with feare, cryes, and bruites, Mr Andrew, never
jarring nor dashed a white, with magnanime, courage, mightie
force of spirit, and fouthe of evidence, of reasoun, and language,
plainlie told the king and counsell, that they presumed over boldlie
in a constitut estate of a Christian kirk, the kingdome of Jesus
Christ passing by, and disdaining the prophets, pastors, and doc-
ters of the kirk, to tak upon them to judge the doctrine, and con-
troll the ambassadors and messingcrs of a king and counsell greater
nor they, and farre above them. " And that," sayes he, " ye may
see your Aveakenesse, oversight, and rashnesse, in taking upon you
that wliich nather yee ought nor can doe, (loosing a little Hebrew
Bible from his belt, and clacking it doun on the boord, before the
king and chanceller ;) there is," sayeth he, " my instructions and
warrant. Lett see which of you can judge thcron, or controll me
therin, that I have past by my injunctiouns." The chanceller
opening the booke, findes it Hebrew, and putts it in the king's
hand, saying, " Sir, he skornes your Majestic and counsell." "Na,
my lord," sayes Mr Andrew, "1 skorne not; but with all earnest-
nesse, zcale, and gravitie, I stand for the cans of Jesus Christ and
liis kirk." Manic times putt they him out, and called him in
againe, whiles dealing with minacings, and whiles with faire words,
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 11
to breake him. But he grew more and more in wisdome, strenth,
and enrage, howbeit none was suffered to come in with him, and
wlien he came out, had skarslie leave to draw his end, inuche lesse
to tak anie advice with his freinds and brethrein.
In end, they proceed, admitts an accuser, who bruiked that
name for manic yeeres after, William Stuart, the Accusar, a pen-
sioner of the Pryor of Sanct Andrewes ; receaves the articles of
accusatioun, admitts, and taks the depositioun of a number of wit-
nesses summouned out of Sanct Andrewes, namelie, his greatest
mislykers ; Mr Andrew ever adhering to his declinatour, and at
all times, as occasioun served, telling them his minde mightilie,
anent the truthe, and Aveight of the cans of Christ and his kirk,
and wrong done therto, which he would be avenged of some day.
And when they had done all, little or nothing for their purpose
gott they provin, but decerned, that Mr Andrew, for his unrcver-
ent behaviour before his Majestic and counsell, sould be putt in
waird in the Castell of Edinburgh during the king's will. In the
meane time, Mr Andrew's brethrein and freinds are informed, by
suche as knew the platts layed, that there was no good meaned to
Mr Andrew ; and if he were once fast, he would not be loosed
againe, unlesse it were for the scaffold. This made him to keepe
him quiett a night and a day, during the which time Mr James
Melvill travelled among the counsellers. Manie gave him faire
words, and said there was no danger ; but his best freinds read a
dictum writtin on the wall, sounding, " loose and living." They
understood farther, that the decreet of the counsell was altered,
and the waird appointed to be Blacknesse, a foule hole, keeped by
Captan James his men. So, whill they were all in great and heavie
anxietie, and most doolefull doubtsomnesse what to counsell ; upon
the one part, thinking it a hard and sore mater to bereave the
schooles and Kirk of Scotland of such a light and leader, and
thinking that moyen and time might mitigate the king, and pro-
cure his libertie ; upon the other part, knowing the course and
platts layed by the enemeis, and seing the violent forme of Captan
James his governement, they thought it harder to jeopard the life of
12 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1584.
suche a man, as miglit be reserved for a better time : being in this
doubtfull debate among themselves, and everic one with his owne
heart, not knoSving Aveill where to inclyne, Mr Andrew himself
comes out in publict, resolute and cheerefull, and desired them all to
be of good courage, for God had resolved him of the best, and he Avas
assured would be with him. So they goe to dinner, in Mr James
Lowson's hous, Avho, with all his ghuests, were exceeding heavie
hearted, and often times could not conteane, but mixed their teares
with their drinke ; onlie Mr Andrew eate, dranke, and cracked, als
mirriiie and free-minded as at anie time, and more ; and, according
to his continuall forme at meete, and in all companie, took occa-
sioun of good conference, and discourse pertinent for the time, and
state of maters, to his owne wonderfull incuragement, and their
great confort, interlacing alwayes some mirrie interludes, and drink-
ing to his captan and waird-fellowes, bidding them all make them
readie to follow, &c. So, after dinner, he gave it out, and none
knew other but a verie few, that he would obey the charge, and
enter in waird, if the king commanded, and God so directed him :
wherupon the macer getteth accesse, giveth him the charge, with
his warrant, to enter in the Castell of Blacknesse Avithin tAventie-
foure houres, the Avhich he receaved reverentlie. But Avithin an
houre or tAvo, his brother Koger and he slippes out at the port
hand for hand, and loodge that night Avhere God had prepared,
and Avithin tAventie-foure houres entered in BerAvick, in place of the
Blacknesse. A certan of Captan James his horsmen had, imme-
diatelie before, riddin out at the same port, to attend upon him,
and convoy him to Blacknesse, there once to mak him sure.
There Avas nothing behind but bitter teares and heavie lamenta-
tioun, partlie for the present losse, but muche more for the estate
that Avas to insue upon the kirk, Avhich everic one apprehended in
greater and greater measure of horrour and fearefullnesse : but
above all, that notable and most faithfull minister of God, Mr
James Lowsone, who, seing so terrible a tempest rysing and com-
ming on the ship of the kirk, and the Avisest, stoutest, and ablest
skippars and mariners removed, apprehended the danger so highlie,
1584. OF TUE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 13
and dranke in the greefe and melancholie so deepelie, which being
augmented, and no wise mitigat by that which followed, namelie,
the unduetifulnesse of his flocke, waisted his vitall spirits by peece
meale, and within few moneths therafter cutted the threed of his
most stedable and confortable life to the Kirk of Scotland. Mr
James Lowsone, and Mr Walter Balcanquall, his onlie colleague
that remained, made, according to their dispositioun, the pulpit of
Edinburgii to sound mightilie in the praise of Mr Andrew, and to
the detestatioun of the fact of the counsell that had so proceeded
against him : also they prayed for him in particular, at all their
ordinar sermons, which moved the people verie muche, and galled
the court. Becaus his bookes were in hazard, in regarde he was
putt to the home, Mr James packed them up, and sett them aside.
It was a pitie to see that new worke begunne in the colledge to
be cutted off from all hope of harvest.
CHARGE GIVIN TO MR ANDREW MELVILL TO ENTER IN BLACK-
NESSE, 17th FEB. 1583.
" James, by the grace of God, King of Scots, to our lovits, &c.,
messingers and shireffs in that part, conjunctlie and severallie, spe-
ciallie constitute, greeting. Forsameekle as Mr Andrew Melvill,
Proveist of the New Colledge of Sanct Andrewes, being called be-
fore us and the Lords of our Secreit Counsell ; and he compeering
personallie, was inquired of certane things layed to his charge,
spokin by him in his sermoun in the kirk of Sanct Andrewes, the
5th of June last bypast, offensive and slaunderous to us : after sin-
drie allegatiouns made by the said Mr Andrew for declyning of the
judgements, and protestations tending to the same effect, at the
last, being inquired, If a minister specking in pulpit that which sail
be alledged to be treasoun, ought to be tried before us, in the first
instance, or not ? he answered. That although the speeche was al-
ledged to be treasoun, yitt the triell, of the first instance, ought
not to be before us, but before the kirk ; wherupon Ave and our
Secreit Counsell finds, that we, and not the kirk, are judges, at the
14 CALDEinVOOJ:)'S UISTOKIK 1584.
first instance, in causses of trcasoun -whatsonievcr. And in respect
of the said Mr Andrewe's proceedings and behavioui', so oft dcclyn-
ing our judgement, and so, refusing to acknowledge our authoritie
and royall estate, and as also, to object against the witnesse sum-
niouned for triell of the said mater, clamed to the pi'ivilege of cer-
tan acts of Parliament and Secreet Counsell, concerning the juris-
dictioun of the kirk ; which being produced, read, and considered,
we find to conteane no suche priviledge or libertie granted to the
kirk, to cognosce in maters of trcasoun, in the first instance, as was
alledged by him. He answered also most proudlie, unreverentlie,
and contemptuouslie, that the lawes of God, with the lawes and
practick observed within the countrie, were perverted, and not ob-
served in this case ; and last, that he had spokin all that he had to
say concerning this mater, adhering to his former protestatioun.
We, with advice of our saids Lords of Privie Counsell, in thir re-
spects declares the said Mr Andrew to be worthie to be committed
in waird, in our Castell of Blacknesse, and farther punished in his
person and goods, at our will.
" Our will is heerefore, and we charge you straitlie, that, incon-
tinent thir our letters scene, ye pas, and in our name and authoritie
command and charge the said Mr Andrew Melvill to })asse, and
enter his persoun in waird, within our said Castell of Blacknesse,
there to remaine upon his owne expenses during our will, and ay
and whill he be freed by us, within ten houres nixt after this hia
charge, under the paine of rcbellioun, and putting of him to our
home : And if he faile therin, the said tenne houres being past,
that ye incontinent therafter denounce him our rebell, and putt
him to our home, and esheate and inbring all his moveable goods,
lor his contempt, to our use ; and that ye deliver our others letters
for his recept in waird, within our said castell, as ye will answere
to us therupon. The which to doe, &c. Givin under our signet,
at Halyrudhous, the 17th of Februar, and of our raigne the 18th
yeere, 1583.
" Per actum Secreti Consilii"
1584. OF THE KIIiK OF SCOTLAND. 15
Upon the last of Februar was givln at Halyrudhous this charge
folloAving : —
"James, by the grace of God, King of Scots, to ovu- lovits,
Richard Bynning, messinger, messingers, our shirefFs in that part,
conjunctlic and severallie, speciallie constitute, greeting. Forsa-
meekle as Ave, having discovered the bussie travells of sindrie un-
quyett spirits, our subjects, who being the authors or devisers of
the treasonable surprise and restraint of our persoun the last yeere,
and niislyking of our present libertie, as disappointed of the place
and rule which they tooke upon them under the colour of our
name, althogh, to our great greefe and offense, ceasse not now, by
whispering of seditioun, and spreading of untruthes and misreports,
by themselves, their servants, and factors, to move and persAvade,
so farre as in them lyes, our peaceable and good subjects to thinke
otherwise of the lawfull and most necessar proceedings of us, our
nobilitie and counsell resident with us, (tending alwayes to the
honour, weale, and suretie of our person and estate,) than the
truthe is indeid, and finding an incessant labour to further all
things that may breed and foster unquietnesse : We have thought
it most convenient to mak manifest the course and scope of the
dangerous and indirect dealing pretended, and to forcAvarnc all our
faithfull, loving, and good subjects of the perrell ; for some that
were thought meete to be removed furth of this our realme for a
seasoun, for the better suretie of us, and quietnesse of the countrie,
have alreadie receaved our gratious pardon, with good proofe that
Ave Jiave not sought their lands, lives, or goods, but our owne
suretie, and a testimonie of their obedience ; after our licences
graunted unto them to depart furth of our realme, notwithstanding,
lingers and abides ather Avithin the same, or in the neerest parts of
the countreis nixt adjacent, although to their owne unease, and to
our offense ; interteaning their freinds and favourers, in the meane
time, Avith liope of their suddane returning, and, as Aveill appears,
awaiting occasiouns to attempt some new trouble and disorder, to
our contempt and danger ; their servants, familiars, and messingers,
frequenting commounlie, in the meane time, to our court and com-
16 calderavood's nisTORiE 1584.
panie, arrayed, and v;^earing hacqucbutts and pistelets, notwith-
standing the inhibitioun made to the contrare ; whereunto is an-
nexed a farther practise, in that it is maliciousUe and most im-
truelie dispersed, that Mr Andrew Melvill sould be banished and
exiled for caus of rehgioun, no suche thing being indeid, seing our
zeale and good afFectioun to the true and Christian rehgioun pro-
fessed by us, and estabhshed by our authoritie, is so weill knowin,
that none of our faithfull and loving subjects can be in anie doubt
therof : nather was that man charged upon anie point or article of
rehgioun ; but being inquired upon some uncomelie and seditious
j)urposes uttered by him, gave suche contemptuous and disdain-
full answeres in our owne presence, by declyning the judgements of
us and our Privie Counsell, and other misbehaviour, there instantlie
heard and scene by us and our whole counsell present for the time, that
his persoun was thought weill worthie to be committed to waird, whill
the acknowledging of his offense, and he only charged to enter, to
have givin proofs of his obedience ; where, otherwise, his persoun
might have beene apprehended, if anie rigorous persute therof had
ever beene intended. But he disobeying, and voluntarilie fleing, no
maner of further processe or judgement has beene led or intended
against him, or anie persons, ministers, howsoever the contrarie
hath beene untruelie divulgat.
" Therefore, and to the effect that none, in default of the know-
ledge of the truthe, suffer themselves to be abused or perswaded
otherwise, and that all our good subjects, being forewarned, may
eshew the perrell of our displeasure and indignatioun : Our will is,
and we charge you straitlie, and commaunds, that incontinent thir
our letters scene, ye passe to the Mercat Croce of our burgh of
Edinburgh, and others places needfuU, and there, by open procla-
matioun in our name and authoritie, mak publicatioun heerof, that
none pretend ignorance of the same ; and that ye command all and
sindric our lieges, devisers, interprisers, and executers of the for-
said atteniptat against our persoun at liuthven, that have obteaned
our licence to depart out of this our realme, a speciall number of
dayes and time being appointed to them to that effect, for our
1581. OF THE KlUK OF SCOTLAND. 17
greater sui'etie, and quietnesse of the countrie, as said is, that they
depart furth of the countreis of Scotland, England, and Ireland,
Avithin the same dayes and time, and eiFectuallie use the benefite
graunted unto them by the same licences, and on no wise returne
in this our realme Avithout our speciall favour and licence obteaucd
to that effect. And if they faile, the saids dayes and time being
outrunne, we declare the saids licences alluterlie to expire ; and
ordeans the persons to whom the samine were graunted to be per-
sued and punished in their persons and goods, as if no suche
licences had ever beene graunted. As also, incace of their con-
tempt and inobedience, delaying to depart, and use the saids
licences within the saids dayes and time appointed, that ye charge
all our peaceable and good subjects that none of them tak upon
hand, frome thencefurth, to intercommoun with them, or anie wise
to recept, supplee, or mainteane them, or to intertaine or keepe in-
telligence, by sending or receaving of messages or letters to or frome
them, or anie others that have obteaued licenses, and alreadie de-
[)urted furth of this our realme, and yitt lingers and remains in the
neerest parts of the countreis nixt adjacent, or anie others persons
dejjarted furth of our realme upon licence, and remaining in the
])art8 beyond sea, for the causes before specifeid, without our kno\y-
Icdge and licence obteaned to that effect, under the paine of our
displeasure and indignatioun, and to be repute, holdin, called, and
persued, as favourers and partakers of the saids practises and con-
tempt, and to be severelie punished therefor, as accords.
" And siclike, that ye command and charge the servants, assisters,
and partakers, with these who were the principall interprisers and
executers of the said attempt committed at Ruthven, that they re-
paire not, nor haunt not the places of our residence, Avhere ever
the same be for the time, by the space of tenne miles, without our
speciall licence asked and obteaned to that effect, under the paine
forsaid. And als, that ye command and charge all and sindrie our
lieges, that none of them presume, or tak upon hand to beare,
weare, or shoot hacquebutts or pistelets in anie part within two
miles of our persoun, where we sail happin to be for the time, ex-
VOL. IV. B
18 OALDEUWOOl/S IIISTOIUE 1584.
cept suclie as sail be expreslie sent for by us, for awaiting upon
our persoun in armcs, or have our speciall licence, under the paines
conteaned in our acts of parliament, besides the incurring of our
indignatioun ; with certificatioun to them that sail be apprehended
doing in the contrare, the paines conteaned in our saids acts sail
be execute upon them with all rigour, in the exemple of others :
and that ye command and charge all shirefFs, Stewarts, bailiifes,
lords of regaliteis, proveists, eldermen, and bailiifes of our Ijur-
rowes, and all others our officiars and ministers of our lawes, to
searche, seeke, tak, and apprehend the persouns, contraveeners of
this present proclamatioun in anie point therof, where ever they
may be found ; and to bring and present them before us and our
Secreet Counsell for triell, and order taking anent their contempt
and disobedience, as apperteanes ; as ye will answere to us ther-
upon. The which to doe, we committ to you, &c. Givin under
our signet, at Halyrudhous, the last day of Februar, and of our
raigne the 18th yeere, 1583.
" Per actum Secreti ConsiliV
Mr Robert Bruce, secund sonne to the Laird of Airth, brought
up in letters, past his course of Philosophic in the Universitie of
Sanct Andrewes, and therafter, by his father furnished, was sent
to France, where he studied, and in the Universitie of Lovan, in
the Low Countrcis. He studeid, namelie, to Humanitie and the
Jurisprudence, which his father and freinds had sett to be the end
of his studeis. Therafter, comming home, he is directed to attend
on court and sessioun, for his father's effaires and his freinds', till
the Lord bcganne to call upon him, and worke strangelie in his
conscience, so that he had no rest nor comfort but in the Word of
God, and companie of good men. Yitt the manifold effaires of his
father and freinds continuallie importuning him, made him to strive
against the working of his heart, but in vaine ; for he was faine, at
last, plainlie to show his father that there was no rest nor life for
him unlesse he had leave to goe to the studie of Theologie, and be
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 19
in companie of Mr Andrew Melvill, in St Andrewes. So his
father permitted at last ; and he came to the New Colledge at the
beginnino; of that same winter at the end wherof Mr Andrew was
putt at, Avhome most lovinghe and faithfullie he assisted till his de-
parture out of the countrie ; and then returned again to the col-
ledge, and sett himself more earnestlie than ever before to his stu-
deis, and that not onlie to be a hearer, but to assay what gift God
would give him of utterance of that which he studeid ; and to this
moved, yea, drawin as it were per force, with a mightie inward
working, which suffered him never to gett rest but when he was
about that purpose. He said to Mr James Melvill, upon a day, in
releeving of his rauche and sore occupied minde, in privat con-
ference promeneing in the feilds, that ere he cast himself again in
that torment of conscience which was layed on him for resisting
the calling of God to the studie of Theologie and ministrie, he had
rather goe through a fire of brimstone half a mile long. So, before
he would open his mouth at the table, where ordinarilie, their
meale about, the students opened up a chapter, and gathered their
notes therupon, he desired to have some exercise in privat with Mr
James Melvill and Mr Robert Durie. And so, once in the weeke
first, therafter, thrise, their time about, in a large wide hous of the
colledge, they handled a chapter, till that way they past through
the Epistle to the Romans and Hebrewes ; but ere they came anie
way fordward in the Hebrews, Mr Robert took the whole exercise
to himself, and had them his auditors, to their great joy and com-
fort. Therafter, they drew him to the schoole, where the students
had the privat exercises before the masters ; frome that to the
table ; and then to the morning doctrine, on the Sabbath, to which
a multitude of the best people of the toun resorted. So, it pleased
God at that time, to their singular uphold and encouragement in
his service, to beginne to traine up and frame that most notable
preacher, for the time of restitution of his decayed and captivat
Jerusalem.
Upon Moonday, the secund of Marche, the charge above writtin
20 calderwood's historie 1584,
was published by open proclamatioun at the Mercat Croce of Edin-
burgh.
Upon the 10th of Marche, Mr Walter Balcanquall preaching
upon the Booke of Ecclesiastes, and applying Salomon's saying to
our times, that it was a great vanitie to see great men dejected
frome their places, and simple men placed in their rowmes, said,
our great men were displaced, and godlesse start-ups were placed
in their rowmes ; and, therefore, exhorted them to tak heed ; for
when the cuppe of their iniquitie is full, the Loi'd will caus them
fall shamefullie from their high rowmes, without speedie repent-
ance.
THE COURT AFFRAYED.
About this time the king and court were so afFrayed that they
sent for the whole gentlemen of the borders to hunt with them, as
they pretended. But they meant another thing. When they had
stayed 14 dayes, the gentlemen of Fife and Angus were sent for
to supplee their places. The town of Edinburgh watched quarter-
lie, everie night.
Upon the 29th of Marche, the court having gottin some secreet
advertisement of a conspiracic, were so affrayed, that after noone,
in time of sermon, there was a proclamatioun made, that all freinds
of suche as were allyed to the Erie of Angus, Marr, and Master of
Glames, sould passe out of the toun within six houres, under the
paine of treasoun, and not to approache neere the king, by the
space of ten myles. After this proclamatioun, the toun of Edin-
burgh and Leith were charged to await upon the king in feare of
warre, night and day, dm-ing the king's will, becaus the lords were
then conveening. Upon the Moonday therafter, another procla-
matioun, discharging all shippes and boates to receave anie of these
who had beene discharged to passe away out of the countrie ; but
if they came, they sould not onlie advertise the king, but also the
shirefF of the shire. In this proclamatioun, all assembleis, as weill
1584. OP THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 21
civill as ecclesiasticall, were discharged ; and so, covertlie, Gene-
rail and Synodall Assembleis.
The Erie of Gowrie, notwithstanding of the remissioun he had
gottin, was charged to passe out of Scotland, England, and Ire-
land. As he was hated by the one partie, so was he skarse piteid
by the other. He repents his repentances, condemnes his con-
demning of the fact of Euthven. Now, he desires his old freinds
would accept of his freindship, to whom he had made himself
justUe suspected. It is travelled, that he be trusted: a societie
bound up betuixt Angus, Marr, and the Master of Glames, to
which he would unfainedlie joyne himself. Angus was then con-
fined in the north ; Marr and the Master of Glames banished, and
remaining in Ireland. Gowrie his freindship was stedable to them.
Atholl was his sonne-in-law, so was Ogilvie ; InchafFrey his kins-
man, and with him Drummonds ; himself ShirefF of Perth, and
Proveist of the toun. The Erie of Angus, by no intercessioun
made by his brother-in-law, the Master of Rothesse, could obteane
anie libertie or ease. But after he had stayed some few dayes
with the Master of Rothesse, he is charged to waird beyond Spey.
When he was at Elgine, he was informed of the hard disposition
of the Erie of Huntlie towards him ; but the gentlemen of the
countrie oiFered to him, voluntarilie, their assistance. His waird
being now inlarged to the north water, and he retired to Brechin
castell, which belonged to the Erie of Marr, he admitteth dealing
with Gowrie. Messingers are sent to Perth to heare him. They
find him greeved, perplexed, looking, among other things, to his
new-built galrie, weill adorned. He sayeth to the man that was
sent to him, " Impius hsec tam culta novalia miles habebit ? Bar-
baras hos segetes ?" He perswadeth the messinger of his sinceri-
tie. The Erie of Angus is partlie perswaded by the messinger,
partlie inforced through necessitie, no partie being in these parts
without his part. There rested one difficultie. Banding against
courteours would seeme banding against the king, as the king was
then disposed.' But what sail be done to safe their estate, their
' " Upon the 6th of Aprile, a proclamatioun [was made] at the Croee of Edin-
22 calderwood's historie 1584.
housses, themselves, the countrie, and honest men, frorae the vio-
lence of these men ; religioun, thekmg's owne self? What honest
man did not stand in doubt both of his lands and of his life ?
When the court liked to pyke querrells, they wanted not some
colour to sease upon men's persons or their meanes. Summoun a
man super inqidrendis. If he compcere, committ him to free or
closse waird ; examine, re-examine Avitnesses, torture servants,
throw out confessiouns ; vexe him at least, and withhold him from
his bussinesse. If he compeere not for feere, that is rebellioun :
denounce, forfault him ; at least, lett him buy libertie to live at
home with some portion of land or money. The feare of noble-
men being removed by death, banishement, imprisonment, confyn-
ing, then may the courteours fill the king's heart with jealousie to-
ward his best subjects, and rule at their pleasure. Necessitie crav-
eth their removall in anie conditioun. If it be mistakin, yitt time
will declare and make manifest their good intentioun proceeding
out of love.
It is therefore concluded, that they, together with the Erie of
Marr and Master of Glames, with their freinds and forces, sail con-
veene at Stirline, and frome thence send their supplicatioun to the
king, and their proclamatiouns to the countrie, to intimat their dis-
tresse ; the dangers hanging over kirk, king, and countrie. To that
end, Johne Areskine, Erie of Marr, Thomas Lyan, Master and Tutor
of Glames, sail returne frome Irland, and find the meanes to tak the
Castell of Stirline. Then the Erie of Gowrie Avho lay neerest, with
his freindship, Atholl, Ogilvie, the Murrey es and Drummonds ; the
Erie of Angus sould come from his waird in Brechin upon adver-
tisement ; his dependers, servants, and freinds, frome Cliddisdaill and
other parts. The Erie Bothwell, Lord Lindsay, and sindrie other
lords, promised to joyne with them. They consider what would
insue. The nobles behoved to conveene : conveened, they would
burgh, making mentiouu of convocatiouns holdin secreitlie, without the king's ad-
vice, wherin bands and promises were made and subscribed ; and charging the sub-
scribers to dissolve the said band, and discharging all subjects, ecclesiasticall or
temporall, to conveene in anie conventioun, for avowing of suche bands, under the
paine of treasoun."
1584. OF TJIE KIKK OF SCOTLAND. 23
heare and cognosce upon the caus, and lett the king understand
the truthe ; and so sould the mater end without blood. If there
was no other remeed, then better to dee so than one by one on
the scaffold at the pleasure of their enemeis. But they accomplishe
not their designe. The Erie of Gowrie was charged, the secund
day of Marche, to depart out of the countrie within fyfteene dayes.
He maketh his excuse to Colonell Stewart, Pryour of [Pittin-
weeme,] and Captan James, Erie of Arran. They alledged it was
not the king's will, which sould be a rule to all the subjects. Sir
James Hume of Coldingknowes, charged to waird, delayed and
made excuisses. The courteours are alFrayed, or seeme to be af-
frayed, to mak the king afFrayed, and to suspect some interprise.
But it is likelie, indeid, that they were afFrayed in earnest, upon
some privat intelligence of some interprise ; for there wanted not
fained freinds on the other side. For Spott, having asked counseU
of the Justice-Clerk what he sould doe anent convoying of the Erie
of Angus to his confyning, the Justice-Clerk sent the letter to the
Erie of Montrose, together with another of his owne : Montrose
sent both by post to the king. The Justice-Clerk swore solemne-
lie in Falkland, before six counsellers, that he soidd never conceale
anie thing which he coidd learne was against the king's present
course. When Gowrie wrote to his freinds, Balvaird sent his
letter to tlie king. He had reveeled a little before the secreet
meeting betuixt Gowrie and Rothesse. Applegirth, howbeit he
sent Matthew Moffet to convoy the Erie of Angus to his confyn-
ning, yitt sent he his letter to the court, and after insinuat himself
into the court, offering to disclose and prove that the erle had an-
other purpose than to ryde to his confyning ; and young Apple-
girth abideth presentlie at court. So, it appeareth that the king
and court have felt some smell of the interprise. Marr and the
Master of Glames were to be charged to depart from Craigfergus
in Ireland. Angus O'NeiU was charged to putt this charge in
executioun. He answered, he could not weill doe it ; but was con-
tent to accompanie one of the king's officiars, for whose safe re-
tunic to report his executioun, he could not answerc. A letter
24 calderwood's historie 1584.
was writtin to the Queen of England, to desire that they soukl
not be interteaned there, nor no where ellis within her dominions.
Nather did the queene greatlie regaird them ; for Smallat had in-
formed her hardlie of the Master of Glames, to witt, that he had
beene in speciall favour with the Duke of Lennox ; that he had
confessed, in a letter to the Duke of Guise, his ingratitude, and the
wrong done to him ; wherupon the queene, upon the sinistrous in-
formatioun of this deceatfull and leeing informer, willed the king to
beware of the Master of Glames, as of a perellous man. Gowrie
continueth still, pretending obedience and departure ; [and] goeth
to Dundie, where he pretendeth to tak shipp ; all making readie in
suche sort, that the court was no more feared that he sould stay,
than his associats that he sould make saile ; speciallie the Erie of
Angus, who could never be freed frome suspecting his forme of
doing.
At last, they having trifled till the 13th of Aprile, cometh
Colonell Stewart to Dundie, accompanied with some horsemen ;
and upon Wednisday, the 15th day of Aprile, persueth him at his
loodging. It being closed, the colonell bringeth ordinance out of
the ships, and Avith assistance of the toun of Dundie, besieges the
loodging. It is randered, and himself made prisoner. In the
meane time, a servant of the Erie of Anguses comming from Dal-
keith toward his master, and beholding what was done, commeth
in haste to Brechin, about the 12th houre of the night, and adver-
tiseth the Erie of Angus. The erle riseth, uttereth his minde to
the gentlemen, how he could conceave nothing but coUusioun ; for
how could the colonell have interprised to take hira with so few,
but with his owne consent ? If he mistrusted the toun of Dundie,
why did he thrust himself among them ? Why did he not stay at
Perth, where he had freindship ; and the rather, becaus the colonell
convoyed him by his freinds' houses, as by the West Wemes,
whose Sonne was cousin-german to him, and offered to have con-
voyed himself away, and gone with him, but he would not consent ?
The Erie of Gowrie was brought about in a ship by sea to the
palace of Halyrudhous, upon Saturday, the 18th of Aprile, and
15^4. OF THE KIRK OP SCOTLAND. 25
was wairded in the colonell's chamber. If the colonell had sottin
direction, or liad takin it to miude, he might have apprehended the
Erie of Angus also ; for the Erie of Crawfurd's forces lay neere
hand to him. The Erie of Angus keeped a faire countenance.
He hunted in the day, keeped watche in the nighte, waiting what
sould become of the Erie of Marr and Master of Glames, who, he
knew, were returned to Scotland, and waiting opportunitie to take
Stirline Castell. He receaveth, on the thrid night after, or there-
by, advertisement from them, that they had so done, and Avilled
him to haste toward them. They had takin it upon the 17th of
Aprile. There was no choise ; they were his freinds : there was
no retreat now from that course. His freinds, who perswaded hiin
to passe to his confynement, they durst not now counsell him to
keepe it even before this, but upon perell, and undoubted losing of
his craig. For his freinds, James and Archibald Douglas, base
sonnes to the Erie of Morton, James and George Douglas, sonnes
to George Douglas of Parkheid, Johne Carmichael, younger, of
that Ilk, were charged to depart furth of the realmes of Scotland,
England, and Ireland, upon the 24th of Januar, within the space
of a moneth, as also James Scrimgeour, Constable of Dundie, for
the love and courtesie that he kythed to the Erie of Angus, when
he went to Elgine. George Hume of Wedderburne [was] charged
to the Castell of Down in Menteith. Becaus his freinds were re-
moved from him, it was conjectured some harder mater would be
layed to his charge. All these motives concurring, constrained
him to goe fordwai'd in the course. He goeth from Brechin with
his houshold. The Lord Ogilvie, Powrie, Ogilvie, and others of
that name, refuse to goe with him. He lodgeth by the way with
the Lord of Inchaffrey : but he refused to meddle. He passeth on
to Stirline ; frome thence he sent to Duglas, for his dependers and
servants.
26 calderuood's iiisroiaE 1584.
THE BAND SUBSCRIVED BY THE LORDS OF THE INTERPRISE OF
TAKING OF STIRLINE.
" We, undersubscrivers, considering the miserable estate of the
kirk of God, the extraordinar danger of the king's Majestie's per-
soun in bodie and soule, and the horrible confusioun of the whole
parts of this commounwealth ; speciallie since, at the last alteratioun
at Sanct Andrewes, by certane seditious privat men seeking their
owne advancement, with wracke of aU others, his Majestie's noble
persoun Avas shamefullie abused, and in a maner imprisoned, all
good men debarred and exiled, the lives of the ministers of God's
Word persued, the utter ruine of the true religioun intended. Pa-
pists, renegats, and sworne enemeis to God brought in court and
credite, the action which by the estats was compted good service,
condemned by proclamation, and holdin for treasoun ; the ancient
nobilitie, ever knowne zealous in God's caus and his Majestie's
obedience, by the tyrannic and violence of particular men, part
spoiled, others banished, and others, with hazard of their lives, com-
manded in waird. No lawes respected, no man sure of his life,
lands, or goods ; the whole estate and liberteis of the kirk, coun-
trie, and burrowes, oppressed and abolished, unlesse some speedie
remedie be found. Therefore, in God's feare, and his Majestie's
obedience, we have avowed and sworne, and by the tenor heerof
lawfullie bind and oblishc us, that we sail concurre and assist one
another, in resisting the forsaid enormiteis and wicked dealings, and
in seeking redresse and reformation of the samine, according to the
Word of God, and lovable lawes and customes of this realme ; and
sail take effald and plaine part with others, esteeming and reputing
all suddainteis and occasiouns that sail fall furth against anie one
of us in particular, at anie interprise attempted, in prosecutioun of
this godlie, honest, and lawfull caus, to be commoun to us all. And
to the effect foi'said, we sail combine the day of and with
commoun advice make our supplicatioun to the king's Majestic,
without shrinking therefra, for anie thing that may be oppouned
1584. OF THE KIKK OF SCOTLAND. 27
in the contrare, or anie bypast offense among ourselves, as we sail
answere to the Eternall, our God, our due obedience to our sove-
rane Lord, and upon our honours, faith, and truthe. In witnesse
wherof, we have subscrived this present, the moneth of
1583."
The lords being conveened at Stirline, declared their intentioun
and purpose, by opin proclamation at Stirline, the 22d of Aprile,
as followes : —
" Forsameekle as it is manifest and notorious, to the regrait of
all good men who tender the weilfare of the king's Majestic, main-
tenance of religioun, commoun wealthe of the countrie, and amitie
betuixt the same and the realme of England, how some of low and
meane estate and ranke, borne to no heritage nor ranke, but trained
up in warefare, bloodshed, and licentious living, have creeped in
credite with his Hienesse, and by abusing his Majestie's gentle
care and good inclinatioun, for their owne advancement and parti-
cular upmaking, have sought the defacing of the glorie of God, the
wracke of religioun of both the realmes, and mine of the greatest
number of the ancient nobilitie of this realme, by imprisonning,
Avairding, and banishement, without offence, against all order of
law and justice ; by procuring the exile and proscription of others,
and seeking the lives and rents of the rest, whose authoritie and
vertue, they feare, should stoppe their designes and comploits ; and
surprising treasonablie some, who were assured under his Hienesse'
protectioun, and meant nothing but his Majestie's obedience ; and
under the name of tranquillitie and rest, moved his Majestic, that
some of his best affectionat subjects sould be desired, for a cei'tane
space, to draw themselves furth of the realme, with licence of his
Majestic, to injoy their owne with quietuesse and rest, who, in
the end, but anie offence committed by them, were plainlie com-
manded, that none sould have accesse to them, under the paine of
incurring the king's Majestie's indignatioun, nor they to be adver-
tised of the estate of the countrie : Wherethrough, whatsomever
letter or inventions were made to his Majestic, they might be ere-
28 CALDERWOOD'r TIIRTOTJIE 1584.
dited, without contradlctioun of the partie ; suffering none to have
accesse but suche as likes and applauds to their tyranuicall and
outrageous proceedings, and debarring all honest and good men
frome his Majestie's presence ; making commoun merchandice of
his Hienesse' eare, and selling and buying justice and the lawes,
for geir and bribes, without which no man can have their turnes
done : and for the better furthsett of their divellish devices, have
drawin about his Hienesse young and insolent companie, manifest
avowed Papists, Athiests, and excommunicat persouns, enemeis to
the religioun and present estate, plaine favoin-ers of the bloodie
Councell of Trent, the furtherance wherof they procure to their
utter power, as plainlie appears by the banishing of some of the
best learned of the ministrie, wairding of others, and commanding
the rest to preache according to their injunctions, phantaseis, and
pleasures : discharging the Generall Assembleis of the kirk, and
mainteaning the conjured enemeis of the truthe, that if their mali-
cious intentiouns be not prevented, there is nothing like to fall
out but the massacre and murthering of all that fears God, loves
the king's Majestic and commoun wealth of the countrie ; the
cheefe authors of all thir purposes being a few number of wicked per-
sons, with that godlesse Atheist, bloodie llaman, and seditious Cati-
line, James Stuart, called Erie of Arran, the onlie disturber and un-
quietter of the whole countrie, the patron and fosterer of all kind of
vice and iniquitie, and enemie to all virtue and equitie, who, by his
false inventiouns, forged lees, and craftie cavillatiouns, troubles his
Majestie's estate, as the sequele of his daylie proceedings testifie,
by reasoun his Highnesse, by advice of the wisest, gravest, and
most moderate of the nobilitie, ministrie, barons, and estats of the
countrie, at Sanct Andrewes latelie, having propouned a calme and
peaceable course to have beene fallowed furth, for sattling the
estate, and uniting his whole subjects, for his Majestie's better
suretie, weelefare, and contentment of all men, acts, and diverse
proclamatiouns sett out, and published through the whole realme,
to notifie the same, and lett everie man see their owne suretie :
How sooue as that tyranne and bloodie Atheist and his associate
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 2i)
had accesse to court, bringing with him that wicked woman, his
purchassed wife, a meete matche for suche a spous, depending upon
the response of witches, and enemie to all humane societie, they
plainlie invented a violent, tyrannicall, and unsufferable forme of
doing, by infringing of all promises, proclamations, acts, and oathes,
made of before : they sought and suted the wracke and destruc-
tioun of all suche as are godlie and honest men, by their wracke
purposed, to make themselves great ; intrusing themselves in an
absolute power, thereby to pervert the whole lawes and statuts
made by his Majestic and his progenitors, with the advice of the
estats and bodie of this realme ; which being abused and inverted
at their pleasure, they might the more easilie sease themselves in
the lands, goods, and geere, and tak the lives, and, as it were,
suppe the blood of suche as ather gainstood, or whom they sup-
poned sould withstand their intolerable tyrannie, wherin they have
this Avhile bypast so arrogantlie and licentiouslie continued, that
the effaires and state of the realme is by them misgoverned and
abused ; the proofe wherof plainlie appeares by that libertie and
commandement which that pestilent persoun, and his divelish wife,
have usurped in Secreit Counsell and Sessioun, wherin, by their
minacings and boastings, they preceeselie commanded suche as are
of the lower and meaner ranke, and by their vitious and outrageous
language overhailed suche of the nobilitie, and others of greater
authoritie, that would not consent to their affections, Avhereby there
is no estate nor ranke of this realme which hath not suffered a
taste of their Avrongous and intolerable doing. For, not onlie is
the nobilitie and ministrie evill handled, as said is, but the liberteis
and priviledges of burroAves, granted by princes of good memorie,
abrogat and inverted in suche sort that, with louse bridle, they doe
all kinde of injurie they please, but feare of God, or reverence to
his Majestie's authoritie or laAves. The truth Avherof lett the abo-
minable dinging of the most peaceable and honest inhabitants of
Edinburgh declare, beside that privie blanke commissioun pur-
chassed, to putt in and insert the names of suche as they pleased, to
putt in prisoun, lay hands on, or putt to tortour ; and, Avhich is
30 calberwood's historie 1584
Avorst of all, and most to be abhorred, and most necessarilie needs
reformatioun, they colour their enormiteis, opprcssiouns, tyranneis,
iniquiteis, and injustice, with his Majestie's name and authoritie,
thereby to lay the burthein of their abuses upon his Hienesse, and
to mak his Majestic slanderous and odious to his whole people ;
albeit, of his owne good inclinatioim and naturall dispositioun, he
has, so fiirre as possible Avas, resisted tlieir malicious counsells and
inventiouns. Therefore, as it is perrellous and dangerous to suifer
suche lewde and evill companie about his Majestic, so is it shame-
full and opprobrious to be reported in forrane natiouns that suclie
a few number of base degree, replenished with all kinde of vice,
sould impyre, as it were, above the whole countrie and subjects,
and keepe his Majestie thrall and bound to their designes and pur-
poses ; so that it is greatlie to be feared, that by remaining of suche
pernicious persouns with his Hienesse, by reasoun of the tender-
nesse of his young yeeres, his Majestie might be intised to consent
to m&nie things, by their perswasiouns, careing with them a re-
meedilesse danger of his owne estate and weillfare, and utter ruine
of religioun and countrie, beside the perrellous wracke of his best
affectionat subjects.
" We, therefore, of the nobilitie, in the feare of God, and under
his Hienesse' obedience assembled heere, and in other parts of this
realme, being borne counsellers to his Majestie, and bound, of
duetie, to be carefull of his Majestie's weill, the religioun, and
countrie, having our lands and heritages for that effect, in consi-
deratioun of the great abuses and enormiteis used by the saids per-
souns, have conveened ourselves for redresse and reformatioun of
the same, seing that the suffering of suche manifest iniquiteis tend
so farre against his Majestie's weelfare, and commoim weale of
this countrie, and tuiches us so farre in consciences and honour,
that suche pernicious counsellers, the authors of all troubles and
seditiouns, may be removed from his Hienesse, and that his Ma-
jestie, being at his owne libertie, and no longer in thraldome with
them, may freelie, wiselie, and in tranquillitie, govern his subjects
and realme, by advice of the most discreet, most grave, moderat,
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 31
and Aveill advised counsellers that favour his Hienesse' suretie and
preservatioini ; that the true Word of God may have free passage,
and the commoun weale of this countrie may be advanced, vice
may be punished, and vertue mainteaned ; and that the lawes, acts,
and statuts established by his Hienesse his predecessors and estats,
may have the OAvne vigour and strenth, the authoritie wherof has
beene darkened this Avhile bypast by their insolencie ; that everie
man that feares God, obeyes his Majestic and lawes, may live in
suretie and quietnesse, and the authors of all their troubles may be
condignelie punished. Requiring all and sindrie, both in burgh
and land, to fortifie and assist this so godlie and necessar an inter-
prise, and to concurre Avith us to that effect, as they will give tes-
timonie of their affectioun to his Hienesse' service, weilfare, and
suretie, the advancement of God's true religioun, and the publict
quietnesse of the realme : Certifeing all and sindrie that otherwise
doe, and will not tak an effald and plaine part with us, we will ac-
compt them as partakers and mainteaners of all vice and iniquitie,
assisters of the pernicious persons, and enemeis to the king's Ma-
jestie's authoritie, religioun, and countrie, and will use and handle
them in life, lands, and geir, accordinglie. God save the King."
THE CASTELL OF STIRLINE TAIKIN.
The king being advertised, that the Lords had takin and vic-
tualled the toun and Castell of Stirline, caused sett furth proclama-
tiouns upon the 20th, 21st, 22d, 23d, and 24th of Aprile, command-
ing all men to follow him to Stirline with threttie dayes victuall.
Sindrie who were suspected to favour Angus and Marr were con-
fined or wairded. The Lord Lindsay was wairded in Tamtallan,
which castell was in the hands of the Laird of Wauchton : the
Laird of Coldingknowes in the Castell of Blacknesse. The Erie of
Bothwell being commanded to depart frome the court by the king
himself, went home to his owne hous, to Kelso.' There conveened
' " Bothwell came with 300 men, contrare to the 'proclamatioun, [and] was
charged to returne to the borders with the Laird of Phairnihirst, to see peace keeped ."
32 calderwood's historie 1584
to the king, out of all quarters, a great number. Upon Fryday the
24th, all Avere commaunded to be in readinesse to ryde with the
king the day following ; and, in speciall, the toun of Edinburgh to
send 500 men. Upon the same day, at night, Colonell Stewart
went to Stirllne with 500 men, to see if he could apprehend the
rebels before the king came. The subjects conveening to the king
in amies, the king went ford ward upon Saturday the 25th of Aprile,
accompaneid with 12,000 : some report, 20,000 men.' But before
he tooke journey, he was advertised that the lords had fled out of
Stirline, and left some of their servants and dependers to keepe the
castell. Despaire of possibilitie to effectuat anie thing had so
filled the hearts of all men, by taking of the Erie of Gowrie, that
the best-affected withheld themselves, cheefelie after it was seene
that Atholl and Gowrie's whole freinds had withdrawin themselves,
deeming that it would incense his enemeis, in whose hands he was.
Evin George Hume of Wedderburne, a man as muche affected in
that their caus as anie man, keeped his waird in the Castell of
Down, in Menteith, though he might easilie have escaped. The
lords gained no concurrence or assistance, as was looked for by
their proclamatioun. Yitt it served as an apologie for the inter-
prise. The toun of Edinburgh being charged to furnishe 500 hac-
quebutters, Colonell Stewart being come to Fawkirk with 500
men, and the king being to come himself Avith the armie, and not
above 300 Avith the lords, it was reasouned among the lords,
Avhcther it Avere fittest to assault the colonell, Avho had takin upon
him the charge to invade the nobilitie. Nather was it difficill to
doe, he being accompaneid with suche as cared not of his safetie,
])iit Avould be glade of the first occasioun to flee. It Avas i-easouned
again, on the other side, night battells Avere full of hazard, subject
to errors and mistakings : muche blood might be shed, and yitt he
himself might escape, and innocents Avounded and slaine. It AVOiUd
involve them in a crime of law, Avherof they Avere yitt free ; best,
' "Ton thousand hors, a thowsand footmen, and five hundred harquebusiers
out of Edinburgh, six carted peaces of ordinance, ^\'hen they joined to the rest,
they amounted to twentie thowsand men, foot and hors."
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 33
since they liad done no harme, to retire themselves in the most
sober and peaceable maner they could.
This advice was folloAved. So it was concluded that they sould
march in the night seasoun toward Fawkirk ; but when they were
past a little from the toun, to tak another way toward Lanerk,
which they did. As they were taking their refreshment by the
Avay, a troupe of horsemen approaching, some were sent to dis-
cover them, and among others, Archibald Dowglas, called the
Constable, becaus he had beene sometimes Constable of the Castell
of Edinburgh. The troupe of horsemen were Johne Johnstoun of
that Ilk his companie. He returning frome Edinburgh, being dis-
missed, upon report that the lords had retired from Stirline, and
comming this way, Archibald Dowglas went to him, fearing no
evill ; for Johnstoun was brother-uterine to the Erie of Angus.
But Johnstoun fearing it might come to the court's cares, and [Ije]
layed to his charge, if he suffered him escape, or ellis to gett
thanks of the courteours, apprehends him, returneth to Edinburgh,
delivered him prisoner, not looking for suche severitie as followed,
and informed the court of the departure of the lords. The court,
partlie of crueltie, partlie for pleasure to the toun of Edinburgh,
Avho hated him for slaughter committed upon some of them, part-
lie to scale the justice of their cans with blood, partlie to mak the
Laird of Johnstoun the more unacceptable and irreconcilable to
the Erie of Angus, and to draw him to their factioun, they give
him thanks for his service, but they hang the man. The lords re-
solve to retire into England. They take their way from Lanerk,
through Tweddaill to Branxholme, and then by East Teviotdaill.
As they came by Kelso in the night, the Erie of Bothwell came
furth, and conferred secreetlie with them. Therafter, as though he
had come to persue them, a counterfoote flight was made by the
space of a myle, and a persute on the other side, till they were
within the borders of England. In the morning they entered in
Berwick, where they remained a certane space. Whiles they had
thus retired, the king comcth with his hoast. He lyeth at Lin-
lithquo upon the Lord's day, the 2Gth of Aprile, and sent the armie
VOL. IV. C
34 CALDERWOOP'S HISTORIE 1584.
before him that night, to ly at Stirline.^ Upon Moonday, the 27th
of Aprile, before the king came, the keepers of the castell disagreed
among themselves. Some would have kecped still the castell, or
ellis safetie of their lives promised ; others would have it raunder-
ed, and come in the king's will. So the castell was randered at
the first summouning, about Moonday after noone. Of the 28
that keeped the castell, foure were hanged : the captan, and three
others.*
The king being come to Stirline, and triumphing both in his
multitude and successe, causeth bring the Erie of Gowrie out of
Kinneill, whether he had beene brought when the armie came out
of Edinburgh. He was brought from Kinneill to Stirline upon the
28th of Aprile. He is putt to the triell of an assise. His freinds,
who forbore to joyne with the lords at Stirline, which, if they had
done, might have stayed the furie of their cnemeis, can now pro-
cure him no favour. The points of his dittay were, the fact of
Ruthven, and this late interprise at Stirline. For the first, he
answered, he had a rcmissioun ; for the other, that they had no
meaning against the king, but to remove these wicked men who
abused his Majestic and the countrie, and wished his blood miglit
quenche their thrist of blood. So the Erie of Gowrie was convict
of treasoun by an assise, and brought furth to the scaffold, and be-
headed at Stirline, the 2d of May 1584. The same day Archibald
Dowglas and William Forbes, servant to the Erie of Marr, were
hanged at Stirline. Tlie Erie of Gowrie's lands are forefaulted.
His ladie, howbeit of the name of Stewart, being one of the hous
of Methven, is left helplesse, and can gett no favour.
' "Upon the 2Gth of Aprilo, a proclamatioun [was made,] making mentioun that"
the most part of the tratours had fled, and, therefore, commanding all wardens on
the borders to take heed they had no passage through the same to England, and
commanding the subjects everie where to apprehend them where they might be ap-
prehended."— Marginal note in the orujinal.
2 "The names of the defenders of the castell. M. Johne Rosso, William Lyon,
Thomas Gray, William Halyburton, David Dowglas, Johne Browne, David Browne,
William Bailzie, Johne Ogilvie, Johne Miller, Johne Fife, James Cuningham, Walter
Andersone, James Mackalexander, Adam Binning, James Richie, Robert Cuning-
hame, Johne Turtur. Some of them were gentlemen, some poors sonldiours."
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 35
About the end of Aprile, Mr William Leslie, servitour to the
Erie of Marr, was takin by the Laird of Joluistoun, and brought
to Stirline, and George Afleck, who was taikin out of his owne
hous of Balmanno, and were both imprissouned in the castell of
Stirline. When he was accused of witchecraft, he denied it feat-
lie ; and, in the raeane time, came there a man of Atholl to him,
affirming he heard a witche say that the Ladie Arran had used
witchecraft against him, and if he provided not for contrare venome,
it would come to his destruction. He said, he would depend upon
God, and defy all devilrie.
THE DECLARATION MADE BY THE ERLE OF GOWRIE UPON THE
SCAFFOLD, THE 2d OP MAY, ANNO 1584, AT EIGHT HOURES AT
NIGHT, OR THEREBY, BEFORE HE SUFFERED.
In the first, he gave his confessioun that he was an offender
against his God sindrie wayes, for which his offenses God did
bring him to be corrected and punished after this maner, the
which, he doubted not, sould be in His mercie, and not in His
justice ; but protested that he had beene a faithfuU servant to his
prince, and had never offended against his Majestic, so that he de-
served not to suffer death at his hands. That he was innocent of
anie evill meaning toward the king's persoun, his estate and com-
moun weale, affirming that ever he preferred his Majestie's weilfare
and standing to all things of the world, yea, to the care and weil-
fare of his wife and childrein ; and that if he had beene as carefuU
to advance God's glorie as he was towards the king's estate, he had
not suffered that day ; and, therefore, desired the whole people to
learne, by his exemple, the instabilitie of this unhappie world ; not
to depend or putt their confidence in kings or princes, or anie
worldlie kingdome, power, or promotioun, but onlie to depend and
putt their care upon God. He regrated that he, being under the
king's Majestie's protection, was surprised craftilie, and used beside
all kinde of good order and equitie, the which he imputed rather to
the malice and invy of suche as were about the king's Majestic
36 calderwood's iiistokie 1584.
than to his Grace ; which persons, he declared, he forgave them
from his heart, committing ahvay the revenge of his innoccncie
unto God ; and farder declared, seing it hath pleased God to
graunt unto him the benefite of life in this world, the which, for sa
meekle as it was the king's Majcstic's will to take frome him, that
he was as willing and readie then to render the same unto God
again as ever he was joy full to bruike it ; and that he feared not
for the fleshe, wishing at God as weill that his innocent blood were
not layed to his Majestie's charge, as that the thrist and crueltie
of the procurers therof might be satiat and sleekened therewith, so
that they attempted no farther ; and heerefore prayed to God to
send to the king's Majestic suche a counsell as sould be more care-
full of God's glorie and of his Majestie's standing than of their
owne promotioun by seeking noblemen's blood, wherof the prac-
tise they might see in his persoun. He requested all frcinds that
were there to mak iutercessioun to his Majestic to be good and
favourable to his wife and childrein ; and through remembrance
heerof, taking himself somwhat altered in his stout countenance,
and, therefore, desisting to speeke heerof farder, prayed his freinds,
in few words, to recommend him unto them ; desiring all the peo-
ple, finallie, to pray unto God to be mercifuU unto him. More-
over, in the end, he called to minde this point following, preter-
mitted almost, as he said, by him ; namelie, that concerning the
accusatiouns layed to his charge, wherof the processe will beare
witnesse in the examinatioun of him theranent, and confessioun
givin by him therupoun, he had delated nor slaundered no persoun,
erle, lord, baron, burgesse, or minister, to be guiltie and participant
of anie point Avherof his accusers had accused him ; and, therefore,
protested that this declaratioun sould stoppe the mouthes of anie
therafter that would otherwise alledge in his name. And so, re-
commending himself to their prayers againe, he humbled himself
upon his knee, and made his prayer unto God, which he read upon
a booke, intituled " The Enemie to Atheisme." And after that he
had spokin with sindrie upon the scaffold with him, and had takin
his leave frome them, declaring constantlie and stoutlie that he was
1584. OF THE KIKK OF SCOTLAND. 37
no wise feared for the flesh, or was afFrayed for the present death,
he then presented himself to the heading stocke, his eyes being
covered wuth a napkin or cloth by the Justice-Clerk, his sarke
necke removed by him, and doublet necke layed doun over from
his shoulders, by the handling onlle of the Justice-Clerk. Fi-
nallle, with prayer unto God, he randered up his life to Him at
halfe [an] houre to 9, or thereby.
AN ASSEMBLIE.
In the meane time, some ministers conveened at Sanct Andrewes
upon the 24th of Aj)rlle, to hold a Generall Assemblle, as had
beene indicted at the last Assemblle. But in respect of the pre-
sent troubles the number was rare. The king sent unto them a
boasting fierie commissioner. Lord Little-Justice, Mr Johne
Grahame of Hallyards, to crave a retractatioun of the approba-
tioun of the Roade of Ruthven, and a condemnatloun and excom-
municatioun of the noblemen conveened at Stirllne. But the
greatest nimiber departed, and so manic as remained refused to
hold an Assemblle without the rest, and so the Assemblle deserted.
The brethrcin who went first out of the toun thought it unseemelie
to rescinde their act, to the making wherof they were induced by
manie motives, as hath beenc shewed before, and that for the
change of [an] unstable court ; for if there was a new change, they
would be urged to rescinde anie act noAV made. The rest who re-
mained answered to the commissioner, they could determine no-
thing, becaus their number was not full, and the barons and gen-
tlemen were discharged to conveene with them. The commis-
sioner desired them to remaine till he advertised the king, which
Avas graunted. The king commanded him to retire, and take suche
answere as they would give. At the same time, the lords avIio
were at Stirllne sent a letter to the Assemblle, declaring their in-
tent, which was^Qot read publlctlie, but onlle by some few of the
gravest and wisest. After they had considered it, the brethreln
departed, awaiting a better opportunitie.
38 calderwood's iiistorie 1584.
THE FLIGHT OF SOME MINISTERS.
At the same time that the Erie of Gowrie was execute, Mr
James Carmichaell, Mr Johne Davidsone, and Mr Patrik Galloway,
fled to England ; not that they were guiltie of this intcrprise of
taking of Stirline, but onlie becaus the furie of the encmic bracke
out then, which long before boyled in their breasts. They were
the men that were at that time most hated by the court. It was
time to them to flee, when their furie brake furth against that no-
bleman, whome they trained to the shambles : for Arran craftilie
induced him to confesse diverse things, under promise of pardoun.
They had lyin long in wait before for his life, partlie by poysoun,
which brake furth in fleckes, partlie by violence shreudlie threat-
ned against him when the king was at Sauct Johnstoun, by Au-
bigney and his fellowes, howsoever, after, craftilie they coloured
the mater. The rough handling of Mr Andrew Melvill, against all
order, was also a shreud precedent before their eyes. But I will
sett doun the answere which the ministers who fled to England
made to Alane's booke, penned by Mr Davidsone.
" As tuiching the inductioun which our anti-libeller useth for to
prove the greater evil to be in the ministers and masters of our
sects, (so it pleaseth him to terme them,) in that, both in Flan-
ders, Scotland, and other places, they doe not onlie perswade sub-
jects to tak armes against their owne lawfuU princes and sacred
kings, but also, doe practise, and in person oppose themselves
against them ; yea, in Scotland, against a prince of their owne re-
ligioun ; this inductioun, I say, doeth nothing at all acquite the Pope
of the lesser evill, according to the saying, incommodum non solvit
argumentum. For as the thing objected unto the ministers by him
is a greater offense, if it were true, (as hecrafter, God willing, it sail
appeare to be most false,) so can no man excuse the Pope of a
fearefuU sinne, in using the civill sword, ather in peace or warre.
For as it doeth oppugne the commandcment of Christ, so is there
no exemple in the apostles, for imitatiouu of the same : and as he
1584. OF THE KUIK OF SCOTLAND. 39
ciinr.ot prove that tliey inflicted anie corporall punishment by the
civill sword upon anie, but by the Word onlie ; in like maner, not-
^v'ithstanding his running head and rolling tongue, sail he never
prove that tlie Pope was ever able, by his word, to kill a mowse,
nuiehe lesse a man. Yitt, if so be that all were true, which most
impudentlie he affirmeth of the ministers, what hath he gayned
heereby to the Pope, his master? Butt lett us come home to the
inductioun itself, and we sail shortlie see him approve himself a cun~
ning schooleman. For, whereas it became him to have proved that
part of the same which concerneth Flanders and other places, he
steeleth from it, like a stout man, when he hath convoyed it to the
feild among the enemeis, and getteth him straight to Scotland, with-
out more adoe, to see what shift he can make there, for the support of
his credite : where, he finding nothing at all that indeed might sa-
tisfie him, he returneth so fraughted with falshood, that almost als
manie lynes he writeth therof, so manie lowde lees uttereth he, in
suche sort, that, seing at lenth no other remedie, he getteth him to
this shift, specifeid in the profane sentence, ' Qui semel verecundicB
fines transient, eum bene et graviter opportet esse imjmdentem ;' that is,
he which once passeth the bounds of shamfastnesse, must needs
cuaninglie, and by all craftie meanes, become impudent and shame-
lesse. And to the end he may sett the better face on the mater,
he frameth all his mater in forme of interrogations, as though they
were so cocke-sure, and so infallible and surelie grounded, that
they could not be denied ; whereas, for the most part, they are so
contrarie to all truthe, and the rest so perverted and falsified, that
Satan himself might be ashamed to whisper them in secreet, muche
more to publishe them to the world by penne or paper. They doe
cleere the cans mainteaned by the ministrie of that countrie in
suche maner, as no apologie in their owne behalfe were so forcible to
confound the slanderous tongues of the adversareis, and to cleere
their innocencie in this case, as they doe themselves. After suche
a mervellous maner, and so mightilie Avorketh God for the main-
tenance of innocencie, in the defense of his messingers and cliosin
childrein, to the overthrow of that Man of Sinne, and his lying spi-
40 calderwood's historie 1584.
rited prophets and penmen, that ere the same be not done, He will
turne their owne pennes and lees to their most utter shame and
confusioun.
" Now, albeit I might simplie denic the most part of his argu-
ments, all of them, as they are sett doun, and so sett this great
doctor to seeke his proofFes and warrant for his confident, bold,
and shamelcsse assertions, yitt, that rather his grosse ignorance
and wilfull malice may be discovered the better, I will refuse
no paines to confute them in severall. And becaus he aggra-
vatetli the mater, by affirming that the king is of then- owne reli-
gioun, ere we enter to the severall arguments, somwhat will I
tuiche shortlie in the same. And first, as my purpose is nather
to commend nor discommend his religioun at this time, so, if anie
good opinioun hath entered into anic good men's hearts heerctofore
tuiching the same, this assertioun out of your owne mouth in spe-
cial!, maketh it altogether to be suspected, seing thei-ewith all you
write suche commendatioun of him and his lawes, (calling him
most noble, excellent, a rare and lawfull prince,) in sindrie other
corners of this treatise ; that his querrell is so just against his re-
bells, (so it pleases you to call the soundest subjects ever he had
under him,) that the Pope cannot refuse to defend him in the
same ; which is verie probable you would not doe, if he were of
their religioun, and, consequentlie, an hereticke in yours and the
Pop's judgement. For, hitherto it hath beene hardlie scene or
heard, that ever anie Papist was of so indifferent a judgement, that
ever he could distinguish betuixt a good law and heresle in one
persoun ; but, in whomsoever there w^as anie shew of hercsie, all
other gifts and qualiteis were so defaced that he was not thought
worthie of life, muche lesse to have the Pope to defend him or his
lawes whatsoever, except it were jper accidens, as we say, that is,
the Pop's owne profite and commoditie : as, for exemple, he will
seemc to be assistant to the king, in overthrowing his good subjects,
that therafter, the more easilie he may overthrow himself, and place
his mother, that religious knowne Papist, and undoubted daughter
of that holie father, in his rowme. But we will goe to the purpose.
1584. OP THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 41
" His first false accusatioun is, that the ministers of Scotland
were the principall fannes and firebrands of the last conspiracie
and opin rebellioun against his Majestie's persoun and estate of
that countrie : so this shamelesse * * anti-libeller describeth that
most Avorthie interprise, and most wholesome counsell, of the most
and best part of the nobilitie of that realme, (as afterward sail
plainlie appeare, in a place more convenient to be spokin of;) for the
deliverie of the church of God, the commoun weale, and the king's
life in soule and bodie, frome these godlesse men, and soullesse soul-
diours, new start-ups and pestilent Papists ; who, as they possesse
his eares, and have him in their hands at this present time, so is
there nothing to be looked for but banishing of religioun, confu-
sioun of the commoun wealthe, and utter destructioun to the king
himself in soule and bodie, without, by the wise, stout, and dueti-
full concurrence of the nobilitie and others good men of that coun-
trie, he be rid of that unhappie companie. This his most false and
forged calumnie he goeth about to prove, by an argument takin
from the confessioun and detectioun of the Erie of Gowrie, before
his late beheading for that conspiracie ; which is als false as all the
rest ; wherin, as he sayeth, if ye will give him credite, was de-
tected all their pernicious machinatiouns of betraying their coun-
trie and their prince's blood. Which argument, as it cannot
confirme their former calumnie, scing there was no suche confes-
sioun in Gowrie at his death, so it most evidentlie convinceth
this lowde leer to his beard, of most malicious falsehood, and
calumnious upbraiding of innocent men, in that, that not onlie at
his death (which was most constant in God, and true obedience
to his prince and countrie) did he not charge the ministrie, nor
anie of them, with any suche thing ; but plane contrare, to the
great praise of God, assured cleering of His owne servants, and
confusioun of all leing adversareis, he purged them all, and everie
one of them, of that mater, or anie suche mater. And this he did
with most cleere and loud voice upon the scaffold, in the hearing of
the Avhole assemblie gathered of all sorts, for the looking and be-
holding of that spectacle, as the vcrie enemeis themselves, the
42 calderwood's historie 1584.
proudest of them, darre not denie. Which we see now to have
proceeded of God's mervellous providence, and care of his owne
servants, whome the devill and his slaves are so readie most false-
lie to accuse. So much hath that leing limmer gained by this ar-
o;uracnt, whcrin he is so notablic taikin with so manifest a lee, that
it hath spoiled himself of all crcditc in the rest : for, ' Leonetn ex
unguihus^ as we say.
^« Secundlie, No lesse falselie doeth he affirme that the ministers
were in person at Stirliue, and cilia where, both in field and coun-
sell, with the Erics of Angus, Marr, and other rebells, against his
royall person ; and this he proveth, by the fleing of some cheefe
ministers, so he specketh, (whome partlie he nameth, and partlie
he nameth not,) into England, for this traterous fact, and there re-
ceaved, cherished, and protected. If it be a great fault in reason-
ning to prove one darke thing by another thing as darke as the
self, which is called ohscurum per ccque obscurum, how muche more
greater a fault it is, to goe about to confirme one lee by another, yea,
by manie lees ; which thing is so impudentlie done in this place,
by this shamelesse anti-libeller, that a man can hardlie tell which
lee to beginne at : so are they linked together, like unto an unor-
derlie thread runne all together in knotts and knars, that skarsc
can one tell how to beginne to unloose and rilie up the same, with-
out breaking of all together. For, first, where he so boldlic af-
firmes that the ministers were in persoun at Stirline, and ellis
where, both in feild and counsell, there is nothing more false,
whether he meancth of .all the ministers, or of these heerc named
by him, and suche others. For, of these heerc named, most cer-
tane it is that none of them were neere Stirline by eighteenc or
twcntie myles ; yea, the neercst of them ; others farther ; yea, some
of them were at that time in England. And for other ministers, if
they had beene there, I thinke this man Avould not have stooke to
have named them, that stickcs not to make so manie lees of them
whome he nameth : yea, whereas sindrie ministers use to resort to
that toun, being a great toun,so it fell out by God's providence,
that skarsc were the ministers there then that dwell in the toun.
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 43
which are two or three ; of whome some of greatest skill were
not there at all, and one other, who knowing nothing of the mater
more nor lesse, till he was there, came when the lords were depart-
ing off the toun ; of whome, if the anti-libeller suspect of anie great
skill or meddling in that mater, he may have a testimoniall of their
pm-gatioun in that cace, obteaned frome the verie adversareis them-
selves, for small cost, 1 warrand him.
" These things being most certane, as the father of lees himself
may not denie, then it followes, that most false is that assertioun
that affirmeth the ministers named by the libellers, and others
cheefe mhiisters, as he calleth them, to have fled into England for
this traterous fact ; which, first, was no traterous fact to them of the
nobilitie, who were there v/hosoever. Nixt, it could not be a tra-
terous fact to whom it was no fact at all ; as, thridlie, they cannot
be said to have fled into England for this fact, that ather were in
England nyne weekes before the fact, and there remained to this
day, as some of the forenamed by him were, or yitt came never into
England since to this day, as some of them likewise named by him.
It is most true, as is not unknowne to the cnemeis there, who faine
would speeke and write, as weill as this scribler, if they wist how or
what. But if this man's lees speede weill, I doubt not they sail take
some heart-boldnesse to them, to hold m a baise of plaine song unto
his discant, ere it be long. And as for them that come into England,
and are receaved and welcome there, it were lewde logick to say,
Some ministers came frome Scotland, and fled into England, ergo,
all the ministers ; or, at the least, they were guiltie of that fact of
Stirline, and, therefore, fled into England.
" Then, if the anti-libeller will aske, What other cans was there
of their fleeing ? it is to be answered, the bloodie and mercilesse
tyrannic of bloodie persecuters, who at that time had begunne
most cruellie and deceatfullie to persecute all these that were good
instruments of advancing the Gospell, and good caus witliin that
land ; for which time they liad long looked- before. For that noble-
man whom most deceatfullie they trained to the shambles at that
time, hardlie escaped their falsehood and intended furie against
44 caldekwood's iiistoiue 1584.
him before ; once by poysouii, another thne by violence of Au-
biguey and his factioun, in the king's palace ; beside manie other
privie practises to the same end. As also, sindrie of the ministers'
lives were crucllic sought long before this time by diverse attempts ;
(as in the owne time and place, by God's grace, sail be made mani-
fest to the world ;) of Avhosc number were the most part of them,
yea, I may say, all that came into England ; but especiallie one,
among the rest, was so injuriouslie, and against all order and jus-
tice, so manifestlie abused, that nather could he, nor anie of his
brethrein, looke for ought but bloodie butcherie at their hands ;
seing, after his compeerance most obedientlie and reverentlie be-
fore the king and counsell, not onlie were his lawfuU exceptions
against their proceedings repelled, and disdainfullie rejected, but
the witnessing of his innocencie in things laycd unto his chai'ge,
by the testimoniall of the universitie where he boore office, by the
testimoniall of the citie and counsell therof where he teached, by
the testimoniall (all in writt) of the church and sessioun of the
citie, &c., by the testimoniall of moe than twentie witnesses sepe-
ratlie examined in that cace, without anie jarre or disagreeing
among them, cleering him most sufficientlie ; — notwithstanding, I
say, of all this cleering of his innocencie in the mater layed to his
charge, becaus they would needs have him convicted of some thing,
leaving the mater he was accused and summouned for, they fished
a fault in his behaviour, which they alledged to be irreverent, (be-
caus he clamed to his lawfull defensses, and to have the benefite of
the law and custome of the realme,) for which it was agreed upon
that he sould enter into Avaird in the Castell of Edinburgh ; which
sindrie of suche noblemen as were present for the time consented
unto, rather for pleasure of the king, and the tyrannous troupe
about him, than for anie just cans they did see in the man, as they
themselves after confessed ; and there Avithall joyned, that their
mindc was, onlie he sould enter for the king's pleasure, but not re-
maine anie long time in. that waird. This being so done and con-
cluded in opin counsell, in the respects spokin of, the same night,
immediatlie after, a few flatterers, forsooth, alter the decreet of the
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 45
counsell, and change his walrd from Edinburgh (where he minded^
to liavc entered, according to the decree of the counsell) to the
fdthie dungeoun and vile prison-hous in the sea, called the Black-
nesse ; wherunto they made the king putt his hand ; and present-
ing it to some of the nobilitie, they wotdd no wise putt their hands
therunto, as a thing most unjust, repenting that they had agreed
in anie wise even to the former, which was a great deale more
gentle. One they gott, by cunning, to subscrive, who, after under-
standing the mater, Avas highlie offended therewith. Alwise, hav-
ing his hand writt, and one of their owne, they charge hhn to enter
within tenne houres into that filthic dungeoun, Avhich was distant
frome thence little lesse than a dossoun of miles. This manifest
treacherie and falshood being seen by all good men to tend to
blood, oppressioun, and tyrannic, it was thoTight expedient the par-
tie sould absent himself for a time ; wherupoun he came to England
long before this fact. The others that came, also looking for no
better forme of judgement, and being surelie advertised, that in
respect the other had escaped, they would be apprehended without
anie citatioun ; as men of the guarde, and others, were sent for the
same purpose, to apprehend some of them, who verie narrowlie
escaped their hands : seing them now returning frome blood to the
effusioun of more blood, as one of the cheefest of them avowed in
Stirline, they withdrew themselves to England, where the inno-
cencie of their cans being knowne, they are, and will be welcome,
in despite of the Pope, and maugrie the malice of all his merchants.
" So, having just cans to withdraw themselves, howsoever this
locust would have had them to have smarted there, becaus Christ
had givin them good leave, being pei'secute in one place, to flee to
another, they have thought good to use the libertie granted by
Christ, lett this chider barke at that as he list."
The like answere Mr Johne Davidsone maketh to Sutliffe his
calumneis, in defense of Mr Patrik Galloway, in these words follow-
ing : " And, first, as tuiching the speeche of Mr Galloway alledged
by him, it is false, as he setteth doun. For he pronounced curse
nather against man, horse, nor speare, that assisted the king, but
4G caldebwood's historie 1584.
against all that defending an evill caus, to the subversion of reli-
gioun and commoun weale, abused the king and his authoritie, by
themselves, their horses, and speares. That his Majestie was
abused in that actioun his Majestie hath acknowledged since, by
word and deid ; and his cheefe abusers have made their offers of
repentance to the church for the same, as we are able Bufficientlie
to prove, if need be."
THE MASTER OF OLIPHANT AND YOUNG LOCHLEVIN NEVER
SEENE AGAIN.
About this time Robert Dowglas, apparant heire of Lochlevin,
and Laurence, Master of Oliphant, were charged to depart out of
the countrie. The Erie of Angus, when he went frome Brechin
to Stirline, sent to Robert Dowglas for his dependers and servants.
But * * Leslie, his mother, wrote the answere, in effect, that
it was not sufficient for them to take so furious a purpose in hand,
to ruine themselves, but would draw her sonne and hous to the
same ruine. She denounced her maledictioun on him, if he tooke
part in it, and on them, if they caused him to disobey her. The
erle, when he heard the answere, returned these words : He could
Weill beleeve it was through her default her sonne was stayed frome
so honorable a purpose ; for he understood well enough his owne
inclinatioun to be alwise honorable and duetifull to his freinds and
countrie. But her hous, for which she was so carefull, with little
care of the caus of God, smarted soon after. For her sonne, Ro-
bert, and her sonnc-in-law, Lawrence, Master of Oliphant, being-
charged to depart out of the countrie, obeyed, and perished by the
way, and were never scene again, they, nor shippe, nor anie belong-
in "• therunto. The manor is uncertane : but the most commoun
report was, that being invaded by Hollanders or Flusingers, and
fighting vallauntlie, slue one of the principall of their number, in re-
venge wherof they were all sunke ; or, as others report, after they
had randered, they were hanged upon the mast of the shippe.
Tliey were two youthes of great cxpectatioun.
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND, 47
Thus, ye see what was the estate of the commoun weale at this
time ; wliat tyrannie and violence was exerced by Captane James
and Colonell Stewart, speciallie Captan James, a profane mocker
of all relig-ioiin, more fitt to be the executioner of some Nero, nor
counseller to a Christiane prince, lett be sole guider and commander
of the commoun wealth, under the shadow of his authoritie : both
upstart souldiours, trained up in slaughter, not fitt to be counsellers
to intertaine peace in a commoun weale.
The exiled lords, remaining at Beruick, wrote to the Queene of
England the letter following, the 14th of May 1584 : —
" Eight Excellent, — Being brought, at the pleasure of God,
under your Majestie's most gracious protectioun, we thought it
our duetle, without longer delay, to visite, and most huml)lie to
salute your Majestic by thir presents, summarilie exponing the
causes of our retiring thither. It is not unknowne to your Ma-
jestic what confusioun did enter in the bo wells of our commoun
wealth fromc the time that D'Aubigney was Legate from the con-
federats of the Councell of Trent, to pervert the godlie educatioun
of the king's Majestic, and to dissolve the amitie betuixt the two
crownes, untill the repairing of certane of the nobilitie at liuthven,
to crave, with all humble obedience, reformatioun. Which good
intentioun being graciouslie accepted, and by so manic assurances
ratifeid, that no farther warrant almost could be wished ; wheron,
whill we, as most peaceable subjects, repose our selves, Colonell
Stewart, ambitiouslie aspiring to high honours and promotioun, in
a maner led captive his Majestie's most noble persoun to the Cn^-
tell of Sanct Andrewes, without advice of his nobilitie ; professing
in word the maintenance of that late reformatioun, but in verie
deid the subtile and craftie retreating of all things, and altenng
the whole forme of governement solemnelie established, as experi-
ence has truelie provin. For he so farre prevailed above his ten-
der age and simplicitie, that he induced his Majestic to call againe
the Erie of Arran, to renue all the wovmted and former courses,
and intervert the familiaritie and intelligence latelie renued betuixt
48 calderwood's historte 1584.
the two natiouns, and increasse the whole former abusses; by
which duumvlrat, so erected, the most zealous preachers, the most
constant professors and patrons of true religioun, the cheefe maln-
teaners of his estate since his llienesse' coronatioun, and best af-
fected to the continuance of the said amitie in all degrees, were
suddanlie disgraced, and felt some taste of their wrathe and vio-
lence : but practising Papists, the most malicious invaders of his
crowne frome the beginning, by writt, witt, and force, and most
wilfull selected invyers of the kindlie peace, were advaunced and
possessed in their offices, rents, and lands, according to the dis-
cretioun and appetite of the queene-mother, associat in conjunct
authoritie with his Majestic. In compting the particulars wherof,
we like rather to burthein the bearer, than to wearie your Majestic
by writt. We, therefore, hearing the pitifull lamentatioun of all
estats, in this generall confusioun and oppressioun of all good men,
and cleerelie beholding the wracke intended of religioun, the
hazarde of his Majestie's persoun, honour, and estate, the extreme
perrell of the commoun weale, together with the manifest threat-
ning to violate the commoun peace, were constrained, of verie con-
science, honour, and duetie, to associat ourselves in the feare of
God, and obedience of our soverane, to have presented our most
humble supplicatioun, conteaning, in effect, our effald and upright
counsell, for preventing these and innumerable moe inconveni-
ences ; and cheefelie that these violent counsellers might be brought
to triell before the estats : offering our selves, upon our lives, lands,
and honour, to prove them guiltie therof ; to the end that they
being removed, as unworthie of the familiar fruition of his Ma-
jestie's care or presence, or punislied according to their demerits,
the manifold breaches in the kirk of God, the king's Majestie's
estate, and princelie reputatioun, the afflicted commoun weale, and
Christiane peace among ourselves and our nighbours, which foure
have beene alwise unseparablie united, may be repaired, and
floorish in their owne integritie. Which cans, as it is commoun, and
worthie to be favoured and assisted by all princes who unfainedlie
have embraced the professioun of the Gospell, yitt, tuiching so
1584. OF THE KIRK OP SCOTLAND. 49
neerelie, in so manle points, this whole He, craftlie assaulted with
commoun consent of the confederats of the cruell Councell of Trent,
so have we our onlie recourse to your Majestic; humblie craving
your Majestie's favourable and just countenance, by suche meanes
as your Majestic sail thinke expedient, for preventing the evills
intended against us both : which worke, takin in time, with com-
moun concurrence, as it may easilie revive and be perfyted, so, ne-
glected, and rejected on the weaker shoulders, will kindle a flamme
in the bowells of both the natiouns, which, with greater difficultie,
is able afterward to be quenched. So, having no pithier perswa-
siouns than your Majestie's accustomed zeale, and heroicall curage
to beate doun the homes of the Romish beast; and more than
motherlie care, and tender afFectioun towards our king's Majestie's
estate and countrie, liberallie testifeid by innumerable offices heere-
tofore ; and the perell of the present peace can minister to your
Majestic : kissing your Majestie's hands, we take our leave, be-
seeking the King of Glorie to blesse your Majestic with long
health and prosperous govemement, to the confort of the kirk of
God, distressed in all natiouns."
Mr Patrik Adamsone, called Bishop of Sanct Andrewes, return-
eth from England soone after the executioun of the Erie of Gow _
rie, and the king's returne to Edinburgh ; or, as others write, about
the 27th of Aprile. He was directed in ambassadge to England, in
the conventioun holdin in October last. AYhen he was at Loudoun,
he gave himself furth for Archbishop of Sanct Andrewes, and am-
bassader from the king. He was Aveill accepted by the bishops, his
fellow-bret hrein, rejoicing of that new brotherhood from Scotland.
He preached sometimes, to cover his negociating with the Frenche
and Spanishe ambassaders, but speciallie with the Spanish, Berna-
dino de Mendoza, who withdrew himself secreitlie out of England,
after the apprehending of Throgmorton. He haunted also Mr
Archibald Dowglas his companie, and sindrie other suspect places.
He traduced our nobilitie and ministers, as treasonfuU and sedi-
tious. He scattered farre and neere manie perverted positiouns,
VOL. IV. D
50 calderwood's historie 1584.
which he ascrlved to the Kirk of Scotland ; specialHe to the Frenche
Kirk, Geneve, Zurich, etc., to catche a vantage, if he could have
gottin it by their censure, and to mak us and our discipline odious
to the Queene and Kirk of England. The articles or propositiouns
doe follow : —
" ARTICLES WHICH THE BISHOP OF SANCT ANDREWES GAVE OUT
IN ENGLAND TO THE FRENCHE KIRK AT LONDOUN ; SENT TO
GENEVE, TIGURINE, ETC., 1583.
" The order appointed by the Ministers of Scotland^ obtruded to the
King by them.
"1. As there is a difference betuixt the civill policie and go-
vernement of the kirk, so is there diverse governements appointed
for the one and for the other.
" 2. The civill maglstrat ruleth in his politick effaires onlie, and
the spirituall governours in the effaires of the kirk.
"3. As spirituall rulers doe exceed their bounds, if they inter-
prise upon civill and politick maters, so does the prince or civill
magistrat if he pretend in maters ecclesiasticall.
" 4. The exemple of Uzziah, King of Judah, declares that kings
sould be affrayed to medle with maters pertaining to the kirk.
" 5. It is an heresie to a prince to usurp the title to be called
Head of the Kirk.
" These above written concerne the Prince's duetie. These thatfol-
loio concerne the governement and policie of the Ministrie.
" 1. The order whereby the kirk sould be governed, as weill in
preaching of the Word, ministration of Sacraments, as discipline
ecclesiasticall, is sufficientlie and fullie sett furth in the Scriptures,
and has need of no farther. And the ministers of the Word of God
sould have no injunctiouns givin to them in preaching of the Gos-
pell, but sould speeke as the Word of God puttes in their mouth.
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 51
" 2. The governement of the kirk consists in three sorts ; in pas-
tor, doctoi", senior, who ought to have the whole discipline of the
kirk in their power ; and pastors to be suche as have a particular
flocke, who likewise sould be called bishops.
" 3. The office and estate of bishops, as they are of provinces and
dioceis, cannot stand with the Word of God.
" 4. Everie pastor, within his owne congregatioun, sould have a
number of seniors or elders, of laick men, to assist them in counsell,
for governement of the kirk. And in everie compasse or reason-
able precinct of bounds, there sould be erected a presbyterie, con-
sisting in the pastors and doctors, and suche other laick persons,
as by electioun may be associat within the same : and these pres-
bytereis sould have care of the doctrine and maners within their
bounds, and of the electioun of pastors, when anie of them sail hap-
pin to enlaike ; and power of excommunicatioun, and dispositioun
of benefices.
'' 5. The Synodall Assemblie does consist in manie presbytereis,
lyke as the presbytereis in manie particular kirks. And in the
presbytereis and Generall Assembleis, a moderator is to be chosin
by the consent of the rest, at everie meeting ; and his power to
continue to the nixt Assemblie therafter.
" 6. There is appellatioun from the particular Kirk to the Pres-
byterie ; from the Presbyterie to the Synodall, and from the Synod-
all to the Generall, if anie man be hurt or greeved. And the Ge-
nerall Assemblie does consist of the commissioners, which are di-
rected frome the Synodall Assembleis to the Generall. And in like
mauer, the Assemblie Generall sould have a moderator chosin at
everie meeting.
" 7. The Assemblie Generall has power to make lawes, canons,
and constitutions, for the effaires of the whole kirk, and to deter-
mine in all maters ecclesiasticaU ; in electioun of pastors, deposi-
tioun, suspensioun, excommunicatioun, heresie, and whatsomever
effaires perteaning to the kirk.
" 8. The Assemblie Generall may appoint times of their conven-
52 calderwood's historie 1584.
tioun, from Assemblie to Assemblie, and conveene themselves,
without anie licence impetrat of the prince for that effect.
*' 9. The Assemblie Generall has also power to direct commis-
sioners to the King's Parliament, which commissioners sould have
the power and authoritie of the kirk ; and not suche as are bishops,
except they be from time to time authorized with their commis-
sioun.
" 10. The Assemblie Generall has also power to direct of their
owne number certan to visite the kirks, as occasioun sail fall. And
there is no ordinar power to visite, except they have commissioun
of the kirk, and be directed by the Generall Assemblie for that
effect.
"11. Benefices are the inventioun of the devill, and no man
ought to possesse rent or living : but deacons sould lift up the
kirk rents, and distribute the same according to the ancient
canons.
"12. Patrons and patronages are not to be tolerated in the Re-
formed Kirk, as occasiouns of intolerable corruptiouns, but the pa-
trons sould resigne in favours of the deacons ; and if patrons sould
be permitted, they sould not have the choice of the electiounofthe
persoun. But after the persoun is elected by the parochin or pres-
byterie, then the patrons ought to confer the living onlie to the
person Intrant, and the distributioun of the said living immediatlia
to be givin to the deacons.
*' 13. There belongs to the patrimonie of the kirk all suche
temporall and spirituall lands, teinds, rents, as has beene at anie
time founded or doted therunto. And it is a sacriledge to the
prince, or anie inferiour persoun, to medle therewith, except the
deacons onlie to the use forsaid,
*' 14. If the prince would contraveene the Acts of the Generall
Assemblie, he may as weill be excommunicat as anie inferiour in
the realme,"
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 53
FOLLOWES THE JUDGEMENT OF THE BISHOP OF SANCT ANDREWES,
WHICH HE PREASSED TO HAVE CONFIRMED BY THE LEARNED
DOCTORS AND MINISTERS OF GOD's WORD IN ENGLAND, GENEVE,
OR ELLIS WHERE, FOR SUPPLANTING OF THE KIRK OF SCOT-
LAND.
I. For the Prince.
"1. It is one of the greatest parts of the princelle office, to ap-
point a godlie order to the kirk, and to tak heed that the same
sould be mainteaned and keeped.
" 2. It proceedeth from the tyrannie of the Pope, to arrogate to
the clergie the whole governement of the kirk, and to exchide
therefrome Christiane princes and godlie magistrats, who sould be
nourishers of the kirk, and keepers of both the tables.
" 3. Princes, in their owne countreis, are cheefe heeds, under
Christ, as weill in ecclesiastical 1 policie as temporall, and their
judgement in both is soverane.
" 4. If the rulers of the kirk have done wrong, appellatioun is
lawfull to the princelie power, by whose authoritie the saniine sould
be redressed.
II. For the Ministrie.
" 1 . It is most necessar that a good order and forme be prescrived
in the kirk, as weill in the service of God as in publict doctrine ;
that all things may be done orderlie, and no man transgresse the
limits and bounds appointed in the Scripture, under pretext of the
libertie of the Spirit of God.
" 2. The governement of the kirk does consist in the authoritie
and power of the bishops, to whom ai-e committed the dioceis and
provinces in governement.
" 3. The office of bishop is of the apostolick institutioun, and
most agreeable to the primitive puritle of the kirk of God.
54 calderwood's iiistokie 1584.
"4. The ordinatioun and ordinarie judgement of pastors belong-
eth to the bishop, without Avhose authoritie, whosoever does pre-
sume to the pastorall cure, enters not at the doore, but over the
dyke.
" 5. Doctors have no power to preache, but by the appointment
of bishops ; nather have they anie further power in governing the
kirk.
" 6. Seniors, or elders of the laick sort, are not agreeable with
the Scriptures, nor ancient puritie of the primitive kirk.
" 7. Presbytereis to be appointed of gentlemen, lords of the
ground, and others associat with the ministers, is no other thing
but to induce a great confusion in the kirk, and an occasioun of
continuall seditioun.
" 8. The order of appointing moderators in presbytereis or As-
sembleis to be altered at their meeting, is nather canonicall after
the Scriptures, nor agreeable to the order of the primitive kii-k,
in the which, it has beene locall in the bishop's seate, and not elec-
tive and variable, as was the wardans of the friers.
" 9. The Synodall Assemblie sould be moderat and governed by
the bishop, in everie province and diocie ; and by him sould order
be takin that the kirks be weill served.
" 10. The Generall Assemblie of a realme has not power to
conveene themself, but upon a great and weightie occasioun, inti-
mat to the prince, and licence graunted thereto.
"11. There is no Assemblie that has power to establishe lawes
and constitutions within the realme, but suche as are allowed of
the prince and his estate.
" 12. The resort of the prelats of the kirk to the king's parlia-
ment and great counsell, for the weightie effaires of the realme, is
most necessar ; and that ministers sail presume to direct of their
number to the counsell and parliament it is an intolerable arro-
gancie.
" 13. Visitation is an office necessar in the kirk, and proper to
the functioun of a bishop, and suche as are appointed by him for
that effect.
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 55
" 14. Benefices and pati'onages have beene zealouslie and godlie
appointed by our antecessors, and Christian pastors may, with safe
conscience, injoy the samine ; and the deacons to be appointed over
the kirk rents is a preposterous imitation of the primitive kirk,
without anie kinde of reasoun.
" 15. The patrimonie of the kirk is that which, by the lawes and
estats of countreis, belongs to the kirk, and interteanement therof;
and not that abundance wherwith the Romane kirk did overflow."
Thir last articles, plaine contradictorie to the established disci-
pline of the Kirk of Scotland, the said Bishop of Sanct Andrewes
presented to the Bishops of Canterburie and Londoun ; also to the
ministers of the Frenche kirk at Londoun, and to sindrie other
learned men, alledging them to be founded upon the Scriptures
and most sincere antiquitie ; willing them, by vertue of a commis-
sioun givin to him by the king's Majestic of Scotland, to intreate
of thir maters, to conforme the same by their subscriptioun and ap-
probatioun. And, moreover, he wrote to Geneve and Tigurie sinis-
trous informatioun of all proceedings in Scotland, and as best miglit
serve to purchase, if it had beene never so little, a hinkling of their
penne, to have borne out his course, and made vaunt of his cre-
dit at court. Mr Andrew Melvill sent home thir positiouns to Mr
James Melvill, who acquainted the brethrein at home with them,
and his other proceedings ; and wrote also to the kirk at Zurich
and Geneve, to informe them. We will have occasioun to sett doun
his letter afterward. I will now sett doun some propositiouns sub-
scrived by the said Mr Patrick, when the Booke of Policie was
concluded, that the reader may perceave the inconstancie, or rather
the craftie temporizing of the man.
PROPOSITIONS SUBSCRIVED SOMETIMES BY MR PATRIK ADAMSONE,
WHEN THE BOOKE OF POLICIE WAS DISCUSSED AND EXAMINED.
" 1. Unto the presbyterie or eldership apperteanes all ordinar
power of judgement in removing slaunders, as weill in doctrine as
mauers.
56 calderwood's histokie 1 584.
" 2. In electing worthle persons and deposing unworthie.
" 3. In exponing all constitutions of the kirk, which are taneout of
God's Word ; and concerning these constitutions Avhich, in respect
of the varietie of circumstances, may be changed, it hath power
ather to appoint or abrogat. Unto this ecclesiasticall senat or pres-
byterie apperteans, therefore, the extirpatioun or rooting out ofhe-
reseis, &c., the interpretatioun of the Word, &c. In the secund
heed is conteaned the electioun of ministers, their deposing, cor-
rectioun, or reproving, their indyting or suspensioun. Under the
name of presbyterie or eldership, we understand pastors, doctors,
and these who properly are called elders, &c. The poAver, autho-
ritie, and jurisdictioun of all ministers is equall, or alike great, &c.
The difference is onlie in doctrine and vertues. The name of a
bishop is relative to the flocke, and not to the eldership or presby-
terie. So then he is rjyou/j^ivog, that is, leader of the flocke, and not
of other pastors ; for that one is preferred to the rest, it is the in-
ventioun of man, and no ordinance of the holie writt.
(Sic subscribitur) " P. Adamsone, " A. Melvill.
" A. Hay. " Tho. Smeton."
" 1. Unto the presbyterie apperteans all ordinar power of judge-
ment in maters ecclesiasticall, to witt, first, in removing of slaun-
ders, as weill in doctrine as maners.
"2. In electing worthie persouns, and deposing unworthie.
" 3. In exponing the constitutions of the kirk, which are tane
out of God's Word ; and concerning these constitutions which, in
respect of the varietie of circumstances, may be changed, it has
power in appointing or abrogating of them.
" Unto the presbyterie properlie apperteans the extirpatioun or
rooting out of hereseis, the interpretatioun of the Word, the cen-
sure of maners ; monitiouns, exhortatiouns, yea, the judgement of
exconimunication apperteans onlie to the presbyterie ; siclike, the
electioun, depositioun, correctioun, discharging, and suspending or
interdyting of ministers. Last, The explicatioun, constitutioun of
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 57
all ecclesiasticall ordinances or constitutions, substantiall or acci-
dentall, permanent or changeable, mutable or immutable, apperteans
to the presbyterie.
" Under this name presbytekie we understand the pastors,
doctors, and these who are properlie called elders, y^yov/Msvoi, t^s-
gra/j^ivoi, guiders, leaders, whose office is to rule the Kirk of God.
" The power and authoritie of all pastors is equall, and alike
great among themselves.
" The name bishop is relative to the flocke, and not to the
eldership ; for he is bishop of his flocke, and not of other pastors
or fellow-elders. For the pre-eminencie that one beares over the
rest, it is the inventioun of man, and not the institutioun of the
holie writt.
" After this forme is it subscrived : —
" P. Adamsone.
" A. Melvinus.
" This word BISHOP, as also this word elder, in the Word of
God, is some times so largelie tane, that it comprehends also the
apostles. In the Epistles of Paul to Titus and Timothie, the office
of a pastor is descrived to be a certane functioun, to which a cer-
tane administratioun of a certane peculiar flocke is injoyned.
" There is a bishoprick, to witt, in Jesus Christ, of the which
everie pastor, for his firme and stable portion therof, faithfullie dis-
charges his office, in preaching of the Word, and ministratioun of
the Sacraments.
" A bishop is not the bishop of a bishop, nather yitt the pastor
of a pastor ; but everie one bishop and pastor of their owne flocke,
for which they sail give reckoning into the Most Hie Judge.
" These who bestow not their travells and labours upon a flocke,
but travell to procure moe kirks and congregatiouns, they nather
give care to the doctrine of Paul, nather to the decree^ of the most
godlie and ancient councels, as of the Councell of Nice, nather yitt
58 calderwood's historie 1584.
are they moved with the dignitie of the office of a pastor, as be-
comes them.
" The ordaining and appointing of pastors, Avhich also is called
' the laying on of hands,' apperteans not to onlie one bishop, so
being lawfuU electioun passe before, but to these who are of that
same province or presbyterie : and with the like jurisdictioun and
authoritie, ministers at their kirks.
" In the Councell of Nice, for eshewing of privie ordeaning of
ministers, it was statute that no pastor sould be appointed without
the consent of him who dwelt or remained in the cheefe and prin-
cipall citie of the province, which they called the Metropolitane
citle. After, in the later counsells, it was statute (that things
mio-ht proceed more solemnelie and with greater authoritie) that
the laying on of hands upon the pastors, after lawfull electioun,
sould be in the metropolitan or cheefe and principall toun, the rest
of the whole bishops of the province voting thereto. In which
thing there was no other prerogative but onlie that of the toun,
which, for that cans, was thought most meete, both for the con-
veening of the counsell, and ordeaning of pastors, with commoun
consent and authoritie.
" The estate of the kirk being corrupt, the name bishop, which
before was commoun to the rest of the pastors of the province, be-
ganne then, by' the authoritie of God's Word and ancient custome
of the kirk, to be attributed to one.
" The power of appointing and ordeaning ministers, and ruling of
kirks, with the whole procuratioun of ecclesiasticall discipline, was
now devolved to one metropolitan onlie, the other pastors no wise
challenging their right and priviledge therin, of verie sleuthful-
nesse on the one part, and the divell on the other part, going about
craftilie, to lay the ground of the Papisticall supremacie.
" In a weill-ordered Christiane policie, the office of Visitators, as
it is this day used, has no place, seing it not onlie represents the
verie livelie image of supremacie, but also, becaus we never find it
anie wise used in the primitive kirk.
' Beyond.
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 59
" According as tilings falles out, or anie new occasioun ariseth,
anie man may be burthened therewith, (as writeth Joanes An-
dreas upon the Canon Law.) Order being tane with these things,
incontinent ceasseth that office.
" To appoint visiters at everie ecclesiasticall conventioun, and so,
as it were, to mak and bring in an ordinar office therof in the Kirk
of God, who sees not how this will degenerate in suche sort, that
the last errour will be Avorse nor the first ?
" Under thir conditions, we abhorre not the authoritie of a sy-
nod or councell. First, we tak us to one kirk, to bestow our la-
bours to our power therat. 'Secundlie, in the appointing of pas-
tors, we promise to do nothing of our privat authoritie, but, in the
synod or councell, to communicat our judgement with the brethrein ;
and to make no visitatioun but by the command of the presbyterie,
and as occasioun ariseth. And this muche concerning ecclesiasti-
call effaii'es.
" The ecclesiasticall revenues or patrimonie of the kirk partlie
consists in teinds, partlie in lands, and the lawfull use of both ap-
perteans to the pastor. And yitt ought no pastor to call him lord
of these lands, seing the lordship and dominioun therof apperteans
not to us, but onlie the uptaking of the fruicts and revenues therof;
which we ought to leave whole and undisponed to the kirk, and
our successors after us.
" Unto thir ecclesiasticall, although not everie where, yitt, in
some parts and places, there is granted some kinglie priviledges ;
which right is not so muche personall, apperteaning to the pastor,
as it is graunted to the ground and ecclesiasticall land ; and upon
thir respects appears to have beene graunted, least these who are
indebted to pay the stipends to the kirk, calumniouslie trouble and
overwhelme the suters of the samine before the secular judgement.
This jurisdictioun our predecessors, by heritable right, graunted
unto noblemen, which, by the lawes of the realrae, we may not re-
treate. But whether thir rights and priviledges ought to be sub-
ject to the will and commaund of the kirk, or whether we sould re-
nounce and give over the same in favours of our prince, we leave it
60 calderwood's historie 1 584.
to the judgement of wise men In the Kirk of God, that they may
wiselie appoint that which is best for the Kirk of God ; and yitt
under this conditioun, that the patrimonie of tlie kirk be not es-
cheated in the court's hands, and the kirk utterlie spoiled of tliese
princelie priviledges which now it injoyes.
" As to voting in parliament, and publict asserableis of the es-
tats of this realme, if the ecclesiasticall effaires were weill ordered,
and the civill policie rightlie guided, and perfyte in all points,
I am of that opinioun that pastours sould have no vote therin.
l^ut as things are now, and time is, it is needfull to forsee that
the kh'k be not hurt, and that the lawes which are made be con-
forme to God's Word.
" As concerning the choosing and electing of some who, at ap-
j)ointed times and places, and needfull times, sail await upon the
king's counsell, whether suche sail be appointed by the king, or ra-
ther by the assemblie of pastors, I leave it to the king's Majestie's
wisdome, the estats of the countrie, and to the judgement of godlie
and wise men who serve in the kirk, to consider what is most ex-
pedient for the commoun weale of the countrie, the weale of the
kirk, and the ti'anquillitie and quietnesse of the realme.
" And, as we judge it is a profane and ungodlie thing, that in
parliament and publict conventioun of the estats, that anie sould
in name of the kirk, sitt and vote in name of the kirk, having no
commaund of the kirk, nor no cure or charge in the same, nor can
have sa, with safe conscience, we thinke, we may lesumlie keepe
that solemne oathe whereby we have bound ourselves to the king's
Majestic. In doing of which, we refuse not, though brethrein in-
terpone their authoritie and counsell ; nather sail we refuse to sub-
mitt us to the censure and discipline of the kirk, if all our counsells
and votes tend to the commoditie of the kingdome, and weale of
the kirk. If the king's Majestic and estats of the realme sail de-
cree anie thing better for the commoun weale and the kirk, as right
is, we sail embrace the same.
{Sic subscribitur) " P. Adamsonus."
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 61
His behaviour in his journey to, at, and frome Londoun, is sett
doun in a certan poem made by Robert Sempell, a Scotish Poet,
intituled, " The Legend of the Lymmar's Life." The summe is, he
pretended he was to goe to the well of Spaw ; but his intent was
no farther than England. As he went by Yorke, he caused Johne
Harper, a Scotish tailyeour, tak off frome the merchants a doublet
and breaches of Turkic tafFatie ; promised payment when he returned
backe, alledging that the Scotish merchants at Londoun would give
him as muche money as he desired. But he returned another way,
and so the tailyeour was disappointed of his seven pund sterline.
After he gott presence, he stayed two months, but gott never
presence again. He frequented the Frenche ambassader's hous,
where he gott his fill of good white Avine. He would have borrowed
frome the Frenche ambassader an hundreth pund ; but the ambas-
sader was advertised by one of his servants, that he had borrowed
fi'ome his mother in Parise fyfteene crownes, and frome other
neighbours lesse or more, but never payed a groat again. Yitt the
ambassader gave him ten punds sterline knitt in a napkin nuike,
saying, he might spaire no more for the present. He borrowed
likewise from Scotish merchants at Londoun, and cousened them,
speciallie Gilbert Donaldsone and Patrik White. He alledged
that he had sent some letters of great importance with Patrik
White. The said Patrik tooke oathe he saw no suche thing ; yitt
he was forced to leave the land, and so was he payed for his 300
merk. Another merchant gave him ten pund sterline, to purchase
him licence to transport fortie last of English beare. He went to
Secretar Walsinghame, and purchased a licence, alledging it was
to serve his owne hous at home ; but he gave the licence to another
man, frome whome he tooke twentie pund sterline. He borrowed
frome the Bishop of Londoun a gowne to teache in. The bishop
lent him a gowne of grograne silk, weill lynned with costlie fur-
rings ; but [Adamsone] restored it not againe. He begged hack-
neyes, bookes, &c., from bishops, and payed them after the same
maner. When he was to gett presence of the queene, this famous
62 calderwood's iiistokie 1584.
ambassader pissed at the palace wall. The porter was so offended
at his incivilitie, that he beate him with a battoun.
After the returne of the Bishop of Sanct Andrewes, a parliament
was concluded in counsell, to be lioldin the 18th of May at Edin-
burgh. This was by order, that a parliament sould be convocat
without intimatioun made by proclamatioun. Upon Tuisday, the
19th of May, the king came to Edinburgh, to the Tolbuith, in
pompe. The Erie of Crawfurd boore the sword, Iluntlie the
scepter, the Duke of Lennox' sonne, the young boy, the crowne.
Upon Fryday, the 22d of May, the king came again to the Tol-
buith in pompe, the honours borne before him as the first day, and
ratifeid the acts of parliament. It was almost ended before it was
Weill heard of. Suche as were privie to it were of Captane James
his factioun, or others who durst not oppone to the intended
courses. They had but five sessiouns in three dayes, notwithstand-
ing the great alteratioun in kirk and policie made by them at that
time. The Lords of the Articles were sworne secreet at everie
sessioun.' No man could suspect that anie thing sould have beene
concluded against the discipline of the kirk, becaus ever since the
reformation, nothing concerning the efiaires of the kirk was treated
or concluded till first the Generall Assemblie was made privie
thereto, and their commissioners heard to reasoun and agree to the
same. The Lords of the Articles keeped their proceedings so
secreet that none of the ministrie could learne what was in delibe-
ratioun untill one of the lords moved in conscience, and piteing the
fearefull desolatioun that was to come upon so weill a reformed
kirk, sent advertisement to one of the ministers of Edinburgh,
upon Thursday, the penult day of the parliament, in these termes :
— " What purpose is presentlie in hands, I darre not particularlie
' The names of the Lords of tlio Articles : Patrik Bishop of Sanct Andrewes,
Alexander Bishop of Brechin, Alexander Bishop of Dunkolden, James Bishop of the
lies, Adam Bishop of Orkney ; Abbots Lindores, Pittenweeme, alias Colonel!
Stewart, and Blantyre. Fjr the temporalitie, Huntley, Crawfurd, Montrose, Eglin-
toun, Rothesse ; Lords Livingston, Downe ;" Commissioners of Burrowes, the Pro-
veist of Edinburgh, Perth, Dundie, and Glasgow Marginal note in the original.
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 63
show unto you, becaus I am sworne to the contrare. But this
farre I will assure you, in general!, that the whole force of this par-
liament is bent against the kirk and discipline therof. Take heed
to it as ye best can."
This advertisement seemed verie strange. He communicateth
this his informatioun to so nianie of the ministrie in and about
Edinburgh as could be convocat in haste. They direct Mr David
Lindsay, minister at Leith, the minister whome the court liked
best, to utter to his Majestic their feare, and to desire that nothing
be done in parliament prejudiciall to the libertie of the kirk before
the Assemblie of the kirk were heardTor their interest. When
he was comming in at the palace gate, he is apprehended, and
careid to Blackenesse, and no cans understood of this hard dealing.
They again assayed by other messingers to make protestatioun in
open parliament, in cace they heard anie thing concluded in pre-
judice of the religioun or established governement. The doores were
keeped so closse that they could get no accesse, howbeit others had
libertie to be present, to heare and protest in their owne particulars.
Some, indeed, of the ministrie, who had made themselves unworthie
of the same by their naughtie conversatioun, or were suspended from
it for their abominable vices, were present, and satt in parliament
as the third estate, and gave their voices, forsooth ! to make them-
selves bishops, namelie, Mr Patrik Adamsone and Mr Robert
Montgomrie, of whom I have often made mentioun.^
The acts of this pai'liament were printed by Alexander Arbuth-
net, printer to the king's Majestic. In the secund act, the king,
his heyres, and successours, by themselves and their counsells, are
declared judges competent to all persons spirituall or temporall, in
all maters wherin they sail be apprehended, summouned, or charged
to answere suche things as sail be inquired of them by our soverane
lord and his counsell : And it is statute and ordeaned, that none
declyne the judgement of his Hienesse, his heyres, and successours,
or their counsell, in the pi'cmisses, under the paine of treasouu.
' Upon the 22d of May, Mr Johne Matlane was made Secretar, and Lord Grabame
Treasurer. — Margin of the original.
64 calderwood's historic 1584.
The Word of God it self, and the interpretatioun therof, the power
of binding and loosing, or whatsoever ellis may be called spiritual!,
is not excepted. If Jesuits flocke home, and find greater favour
in court heerafter than all the ministers in the He, and challenge
them for anie heid of religioun, what sail become of religioun if the
king or counsell be judge for the time? In the fourth act, all
jurisdictiouns and judgements, all assembleis and conventiouns not
allowed in parliament, are discharged, whlll they be allowed by
parliament : all convocatiouns or assembleis to treat in anie mater
of estat, civill or ecclesiasticall, except in ordinarie judgements, are
discharged, unlesse his Majestie's speclall commandement or ex-
presse licence had and obteaned to that effect, under the paines
ordeaned by acts of parliament against suche as unlawfullic con-
vocate the king's lieges. There is no particular specificatioun of
the judgements and assembleis heere called in questioun, as com-
moun lawes sould be cleere, to assure the subjects certanelie what
sould be done or left undone. As for ecclesiasticall jurisdictiouns
and assembleis, we know none but they had their owne allowance
since the reformatioun. The 20th act ratifeis, approves, and re-
establishes the state of bishops, flatt contrare the determinatioun
of the kirk. Item, An act that none speeke against the three
estats, or preasse to diminishe the power of anie of them, under
the paine of treasoun. This was made to secure the prelats in their
seate in parliament. An act, unprinted, wherein the excommunica-
tioun of Mr Robert Montgomrie was disannulled, beside other acts,
which I neede not to rehearse.
Upon the Saturday before the acts were proclamed, the king
and counsell suspecting that the ministers of Edinburgh would in-
vey against these acts, sent a charge to the proveist and bailifFes
to take the ministers out of the pulpit, and cast them in prisoun,
in cace they spake anie thing against their acts or proceedings.
But Mr James Lowsone and Mr Walter spake freelie in their ser-
mons against the acts and proceedings of the parliament, upon the
Lord's day, the 24th of May. The proveist and bailifFes consult-
ing with the counsell, determined to drive time till the acts were
1584. OF THE KIllK OF SCOTLAND. 65
proclamed. When the acts were proclamed at the Mercat Croce,
upon Moonday the 25th of May, Mr Eobert Pont and Mr Walter
Balcanqiiall, at the appointment of their brethrein, with good and
I'ype advisement, in all good order, the circumstances and cere-
moneis of the law duelie observed, without anie signe of disobe-
dience, tooke publict documents in name of the Kirk of Scotland,
in the hands of George Makesone, before William Archibald, Ro-
bert Mark, and diverse others, that they protested against the said
acts, in so farre as they prejudged the former liberties of the kirk.
Arran made manie vowes, that if Mr James Lowson's head were
as great as an hay stacke, he would cause it leape frome his hawse.
Mr James Lowsone and Mr Walter, understanding what charge
was givin to the proveist and bailiffes, what Arran had threatned,
what was intended against them, how other of their brethrein had
beene dealt with before, withdrew themselves secreetlie after they
had consulted with some of the presbyterie, with the best of their
flocke, with some barons and gentlemen dwelling about. Upon
the 28th day, the king went over the water to Falkland ; left
Colonell Stewart to apprehend them. But they were receaved in
Berwick, upon Wedinsday the 27th, before five houres in the
morning, and out of his reache before he could execute his com-
missiouu.
In the meane time was Francis Throgmorton arraigned, and
condemned in the Gwyld Hall, in the citie of Londoun, for some
treasouns practised and attempted against Queen Elizabeth and
the realme of England, the 21st of May. The discoverie of the
treasons Avas printed soone after, in June, the summe wherof I sett
doun heere, as followes, becaus the Scotish queene had her part in
them.
The queen's Majestic had privie intelligence that he was a privie
convoyer and receaver of letters to and frome the Scotish queene.
After some moneths past, he was apprehended. When he was
apprehended, there were found two papers, conteaning the names
of certane Catholick noblemen and gentlemen, expressing the
havens for landing of foiTane forces, with other particulariteis, both
VOL. IV. E
66 calderwood's historie 1584.
writtin with his owne hand. There were also found, among other
of his papers, twelve pedigrees of the descent of the Queene of
England, printed and published by the Bishop of Kosse, in defense
of the pretended title of the Scotish queene, his mastresse, with
certan infamous libells against her Majestie, printed and published
beyond seas.
When he was first preassed to discover by whom the platts of
the havens were sett doun, and to what purpose, he beganne, by way
of historicall narratioun, to declare, that at his being at Spaw, in
the countrie of Liege, certane yeeres past, he entered in conference
with one Jenney, a notorious knowne tratour, tuiching forrane in-^
vasioun ; and, to the like effect, had sindrie conferences with Sir
Francis InglefeUd, in the Low Countreis, who daylie solicited the
Spanish king, and his governours in the Low Countreis, to attempt
the invading of the realme ; and continued a course of practising
against her Majestie's estate, by letters betweene Sir Francis
Englefeild and himself, untill within thir two yeares past. He
farther confessed, he used his father's advice in setting doun the
names of the Catholick noblemen and gentlemen who did acquaint
him with the descriptioun of the havens for the landing of forces,
which he conceaved and putt in writting onlie by view of the
mappes. Item, Upon intermissioun of intelligence with Sir Francis
Eno-lefield, he was made acquainted by his brother, Thomas Throck-
morton, by letters and conference, and by Thomas Morgan, by
letters, two of the principall confederats and workers of these trea-
souns, residing in France, with a resolute determinatioun agreed
on by the Scotish queene, and her confederats in France and for-
rane parts, and also in England, for invading of the realme : that
the Duke of Guise sould be the principall leader and executer of the
invasioun : that the pretentioun (which sould be publictlie notifeid)
sould be, to deliver the Scotish queene, and to procure by force fromo
the queen's Majestie a tolerance in religioun ; but the intentioun
sould be, upon her resistance, to remove her from her crowne : that
the Duke of Gwise had prepared the forces, but wanted money,
assistance of a convenient partie in England, and how to sett the
lo84. OF THE KIRK OF SCQTLAND, 67
Scotlsh queenc at libertie. For money, messingers were sent frome
forrane parts, both to Rome and Spaine, and their returne daylie
expected. The Spanish ambassader, to incurage the English, gave
out that his master would not onlie make some notable attempt
against England, but also beare halfe the charges of the interprise.
For the secund, a messinger was sent under a counterfoote name,
in August last, frome the confederats in France to England, to
signifie the platt and preparatioun there, and to solicite the same
heere : that he instructed the Spanish ambassader how and with
whome to deale, for a convenient partie within the realme : that
he shewed the whole platt and device of the havens for landing to
the Spanish ambassader : that the said ambassader did, according
to his advertisement, know and affirme that Charles Padget was
come over to view the havens and countrie for landing of suche
forrane forces about Arrandaill, and speciallie to sound the prin-
cipall persouns for assistance. He confessed how the principall
recusants as were in the Commission of the Peace, in sindrie coun-
treis, might, upon the first brute of the landing of forrane forces,
under colour of their authoritie, and defense of her Majestic, levie
men, whome they might after joyne to the forrane forces. He
confessed he had delivered manie letters to the Scotish queene, and
convoyed manie to and fro, between her and Thomas Morgan in
France, by whose meanes he was first made knowne unto her, and
that he had receaved as manie letters frome her. The letters be-
tweene them were writtin in cipher, and the cipher, with the nul-
liteis and merks, for names of princes and counsellers, he sent to the
queen's Majestic, writtin with his owne hand. He delivered the
names of some, by whome he convoyed letters to the Scotish
queene ; as one Godfrey Fulgeam, who fled the reahne immediatlie
upon Throckmorton's apprehensioun, and another called William
Ardingtoun.
He aUedged these his confessiouns were but inventiouns, for
feare of the torture. But it is true he was at Spaw about the time
by him mentioned, had conference with Jenney in that place, and
with Sir Francis Englefeild in Flanders, and had writtin letters
68 calderwood's historie 1584.
to Sir Francis, and receaved letters frome him. What conference
could he have with Sir Francis Englefeild, with Jenney, with Lig-
gons, with Owen, and suche like, who were his day lie companiouns
in France and the Low Countreis ? He haunted continuallie two
ambassaders at Londoun, by whose meanes he sent and receaved
letters to and fro frome beyond the seas daylie, yea, to and frome
Thomas Morgan and Thomas Throckmorton, at Parise, men knowne
to her Majestic and counsell to be notorious practisers, verie inward <
with the Duke of Gwise. There have beene diverse advertisements
sent to her Majestic frome forrane princes, and intelligence frome
her ambassaders and servants residing in the countreis, that the
Duke of Gwise did undertake the interprise to invade the realme
with a forrane power, to be defrayed by the Pope and King of
Spaine. He resorted twise at least to the Spanish ambassader
when he was in Londoun. When he was apprehended, he had a
casket covered with greene velvet cunninglie convoyed out of his
chamber by a maid-servant of the hous, takin up under a bed-side
in his chamber ; which casket, not long after his apprehensioun,
was, by one Johne Meredith, his follower, convoyed to the Spanish
ambassader. After deliverie of the casket, this Meredith fled.
Being takin suddanlie the time of his apprehensioun, and forced to
runne up a stair to deface a letter Avhich he was then in writting
to the Scotish queene in cipher, as he hath confessed, and so forced
to depart away presentlie out of his hous, [he] delivered privilie
into the hands of Meredith, ather the cipher, by the which he was
writting letters to the Scotish queene, or a letter in cipher by him
writtin to her. Being apposed, he confessed afterward the casket,
and said, there were certane letters therin that came to his hands
for the Scotish queene, frome Thomas Morgan at Parise, and other
letters and papers, but confessed not all, as is supposed.
It is true that Padget came over about the same time he men-
tioned, in secreet and suspicious maner, and stayed not above fyf-
teene dayes. To what end the names of men and descriptiouns of
havens, their entreis, capaciteis, what winds bring unto them frome
Spaine, France, Flanders, were writtin and sett doun by him ? At
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 69
one time, he used these speeches following with great vehemencie :
— " Now, I have disclosed the secreets of her who was the deerest
queene to me in the world, (meaning the Scotish queene,) and
whome I thought no torment sould have drawin me so muche to have
prejudiced as I have done by my confessioun. I see no cans why
I sould spaire anie one if I could say ought against him : and sith I
have failed of my faith towards her, I care not if I were hanged."
Removing aside frome the place where he satt, by the racke, to
speeke with one of the commissioners, he used this proverb in
Italian, Chi a perso la fede, a perso Vhonor ; that is, He that hath
falsified his faith, hath lost his reputatioun.
He sent to her Majestic, together with his submissioun, a decla-
ratioun writtin with his owne hands, conteaning the effect of the
most principal! points of the treasouns formerlie confessed, retract-
ing onlie his accusatioun of his father, and some other particulars
of no moment. He declared that his intelligence with the Scotish
queene beganne a little before Christmasse was two yeeres. The
cipher he had frome Thomas Morgan in France, at the first letter
he receaved by Godfrey Fulgeam, by whome also came all suche
others as after he receaved, for the most part : that he sent, by one
of his men called Butler, letters for the Scotish qvieene to the hous
of Tunstead, covered with a directioun to Tunstead, and under a
letter to Fulgeam. " In suche letters as come to me frome the
Scotish queene, were inclosed to F. A. manie times; and most
times, some for Thomas Morgan ; letters to me conteaned, &c.
But before I returned my answere to her, I understood of the
death of the Duke of Lennox ; and with all heard frome Morgan,
that by the perswasioun of the Pope and King of Spaine, the
Duke of Guise had yeelded to perform the journey in persoun ; and
that it was thought that the nixt way to atteane libertie for the
Scotish queene, and to reforme Scotland, was to beginne heere in
England." That he being demanded, answered, he saw no great
probabilitie of the successe, becaus the Catholicks were timorous
and dispersed, beside, that it was an imminent danger to the Scot-
ish queene. " I tooke notice of this mater," said he, " in my next
letters to the Scotish queene, whose answere was, that she latelie
70 calderwood's historie 158 i.
heard of the determinatioun. I said to the Spanish ambassador, it
was to be resolved that the force which shoukl be sent sould be of
that number, that what backing so ever they sould find heere, they
might be able of themselves to encounter with anie force ; and,
therefore, they could not be lesse than 15,000 men. To the danger
of the Scotish queene, he answered, he knew no remedie, unlesse
she might be taikin away by some 200 horse. I told him there was
no gentleman in these parts he durst mak acquaint with the mater
before hand. When he told me the force intended was farre in-
feriour to that I spake of, and that there was some difference be-
tween the Pope and the King of Spaine for tlie charge, I told him
the surest course was, to send a supplee to Scotland. For a small
force would breede a great alteratioun ; .and things being there es-
tablished by the good lyking of the king, I thought it was in him,
by continuall warre, and by incursiouns, so to annoy this estate,
as her Majestic heere sould be forced to yeeld the libertie of the
Scotish queene, and what sould therupon have beene reasonablic
demaunded for the benefite of the Catholicks heere. I said it
would be a great furtherance if, at the same time, some few had
landed in Irland ; for the charge would be great to her Majestic,
and a great occasioun of dispersing her forces. He rejected the
purpose for Irland, mislyked not the purpose for Scotland, but still
was in minde to have forces landed heere. When I went to the
Spanish ambassader, he told me that Parsons the Jesuit was going
to Rome, sent, as he thought, to understand the Pope's minde.
The writtings in my casket were suche as were by me confessed,
and came to my hands as I have confessed."
Now, judge all ye that be not perverselie affected, whether
Throckmorton be not justlie condemned, and whether his confes-r
slouns (though as he pretended extorted fronie him by violence) be
of force in law against him. He hath conspii-ed to overthrow the
state, to bring in strangers, to invade the realme, and to remove
her Majestic frome her laAvfull and naturall right and inlieritance to
the crowne of England, and to place a stranger in her seatc. But
this last, for placing of a stranger, will perchance be denied : then
note, that in the whole course of the practise, the greatest barre to
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 71
the prosecutioun of the interprise was, they found no way how to
putt the Scotish queene in safetie. Then, if these dangerous rea-
souns be discovered by torture, (the onHe meanes left to princes to
discover treasouns and attempts against their state and persoun,
wliere they jBnd apparent mater to induce suspicioun, as in the case
of Throckmorton, upon the sight of the platts of havens,) may the
kiw tuiche the tratour or not ? If anie man hold this questioun ne-
gativelie, hold him for h friend to tratours and treasons, and an
enemie to the queen's Majestic ; whom God long preserve, and
confound her enemeis.
Bernardinus Mendoza, the King of Spain's ambassador for Eng-
land, stole secreitlie to France, fretting and fuming that he was
tlirust out of England, by violatioun of the right of an ambassa-
dor, when, as in truth, he had abused the reverend right of ambas-
sadors, by the practises of treasoun against the estate, and, there-
fore, was commanded to depart out of the realme ; whereas manie
thought he sould have beene more severelie censured ; for he prac-
tised with Throckmorton and others, to bring in strangers into
England, to invade the land, and to remove the queene. When
he was gentlie reproved, he was so farre frome excusing with mo-
dest answere, that he beganne to accuse the queene and counsell,
for money taikin from the merchants of Genua ; for helping the
states in the Netherlands, the Count of Anjou, Antony of Portu-
gall, and the spoiles that Sir Francis Drake had taikin frome tlie
Spaniards, in the West Indies. That the King of Spain might un-
derstand the sending away of Mendoza was no violating of the
right of an ambassador, the Queene of England sent Sir William
Wade to Spaine, to informe the king how unworthilie he had be-
haved himself in his ambassadge. But he could not be admitted to
presence, but returned unheard.
Mr Patrik Gallo^A'ay came to Berwick upon the 21st of May
Mr Andrew Hay came to Edinburgh upon the 18th of May, upon
the Clerk of liegister's letter, and was wairded be-north Tay. It
Avas bruited that he would putt out others ; but there was no suche
thin fir.
72 calderavood's itistotue 1584.
THE NAMES OF THE DISTRESSED.
Some are without, and some are within the realme. Of these
that are without, some are banished, viz., the Lord Ilamrailtoun,
the Erles Angus and Marr ; the Master of Glames, Dryburgh,
Paisley, Buchan, Carmichaell, Camok, George Duglas of Parkheid's
two sonnes ; Mr Andrew Melvill, Mr James Carmichaell, Mr Johne
Davidsone, Mr Patrik Galloway. Some were licensed to remaine
abroad, but in effect banished, viz., the Lord Boyd, the Lairds
Lochlevin, Wemes, Cleish, the Pryour of Pluscardin, and his
brother, the Abbot of Carabuskenneth. Of these that are within the
realme, some are captive, as Lindsay, the Bishop of Murrey, the
Tutor of Cassills, the Lairds of Coldingknowes, Wedderburne, Mr
William Leslie. Some are obscure within the countrie, for feare
least they sould be apprehended, as the Lord Drummond, Cath-
cart ; the Masters of Oliphant, Forbes, Eothesse, Lindsay, Boyd,
the Laird Banheth, the Abbot of Inchaifrey ; Mrs AndrcAV Hay,
Andrew Polwart, and Johne Clappertoun, ministers.
Upon the Lord's day, the 25th of May, Johne Clappertoun, mi-
nister at Caldstream, was takin by two archers of the guarde, after
sermon, and convoyed to Edinburgh. The minister of Dunce, Mr
Patrik Gaits, [was] takin likewise. Upon Wednisday, the 29th
of May, Mr James Lowsone, Mr Walter Balcanquall, and Mr Tho-
mas Storie, came to Berwick at five hours in the morning, convoy-
ed by William Hume of Hutton, from Edinburgh, all night. He
roade backe againe to Edinburgh frome Chirneside.
THE COPIE OF THE DISPENSATION GRANTED BY THE KINg'S GRACE
TO THE TOUN OF EDINBURGH, FOR THE EXERCISE AND KIRK-
SESSION, 28tii of may.
« Rex.
" We, by the tenor lieerof, at the humble supplicatloun and re-
queist of a Most Reverent Father in God, and our trust counseller,
1584. OF THE KIRK Or SCOTLAND. 73
Patrik, Archbishop of Sanct Andrewes, upon sute made to him by
our Aveilbelovits, the proveist, bailliffes, counsell, and commountie
of our burgh of Edinburgh, licenses and perraitts, that the exercise
usuallie keeped in our said burgh everie Tuisday, and the conven-
tioun of the ministers, elders, and deacouns on the Thursday everie
weeke, for correctioun of maners, and distributioun of the almous
collected for the poore, sail and may continue in time comming
without perrell, skaithe, or danger to suche as sail conveene there-
to, in their persons, lands, or goods, notwithstanding our late Acts
of Parliament, or anie paines conteaned therin, anent the which we
dispense by thir presents ; discharging all you our judges and mini-
sters of our lawes and justice, present and to come, and your de-
putts of all calling, accusing, unlawiiig, or in anie wise proceeding
against suche as conveene to the effects above writtin ; for that
cans, poinding, troubling, or in anie wise intromitting with them,
their lands and goods therefore, and of their office in that part for
ever. Givin under our signet, and subscrived with our hand, at
Halyrudhous, the 28th day of May, and of our raigne the 17th
yeere, 1584."
{Sic suhscrihitur) " James E.
" Glencarne, Thirlestane."
Mr James Melvill, Professor of Theologie in the New Colledge
of Sanct Andrewes, being advertised that he was to be apprehend-
ed for interteaning intelligence with his uncle, Mr Andrew Melvill,
fled likewise, and overtooke Mr James and Mr Walter at Berwick.
He Avas no sooner gone, but his chamber was searched.
The ministers of Edinburgh, Mr James Lowsone and Mr Walter
Balcanquall, sent a letter to their flocke in Edinburgh, declaring
the causes of their flight, dated at Berwick, the secund of June,
the tenor Avherof foUowes : —
" To the faithfull congregatioun in the veritle of Jesus Christ,
which is in Edinburgh, your poore ministers, with sorrow-
74 CALDEK wood's historie 1584.
full hearts, and greatest love in Christ Jesus towards you,
wishe grace, mercie, and peace.
" We thought good, deere brethrein, in few words, till our God
offer an occasioun of farder declaring of our mindes, to rander a
reasoun to you of this absenting, for the present, of your ministers,
wherupon issueth a desolatioun most sorrowfull to the hearts of
the godlie. It is not feare of death, nor love of life temporal!, that
moves us to withdraw us, till God joyne us again in mercie. But
ye yourselves see the horrible confusioun and bloodie crueltie in-
tended and begunne, first against us, and nixt against you, by
wicked men, most assuredlie through the counsells of that Man of
Sinne, the Antichrist of Rome, and his supports, as weill in thi»
countrie, as speciallie furth of the same. Ye see the Avhole dis-
cipline violentlie plucked out of the hands of them to whome
Christ Jesus has committed the spiritual! government, and givin
into the hands of them wlio have their calling of the world and
men, and not of God ; Assembleis discharged, and excommuni^
catioun made null, by them who have no power to bind and loose ;
letters and charges givin, that if we speeke our mindes freelie to
you, we sail be apprehended, and that by the members of our owne
flocke. And now, God ^vill lett you see, the time is come, which
we threatened long before against you. Alace ! we may say far-
ther, that some of yourselves, who thir three yeeres bypast have
hardlie opponed your selves against us, and the Word of God in
our mouth, for whome we powre teares daylie to God, have givin
us no little occasioun to lett you know a little what it is to want
that thing Avhich has beenc over muche contemned amongs you,
albeit yitt we tender you. And this absenting of our selves is for
love we beare to you ; for our presence undoubtedlie would bring
danger to you also, imto whome that bloodie and godlesse charge
was givin, to tak us, if we spake the truthe. Besides this, it is
lesume to escai)e the rage of men, as Christ Jesus himself did, and
reserve our selves to a better time, for the gloric of God, and
1584. OF THE KIKK OF SCOTL^ySTD. 75
profite of his mysticall bodie ; which, if we sould not doe, then we
tempt God, and offend his majestic."
They wrote a more ample declaratioun not long after, to the
counsell and kirk-sessioun of Edinburgh, the tenor wherof fol-
lowes : —
" It hath pleased God in liis justice, (deare brethrein,) according
to these manifold and oft threatnings which we with our eares have
heard, and as God's messingers have pronounced, to bring that
heavie crosse upon us, which our eyes doe behold, and our sorrow-
full hearts doe consider. Our sinnes have deserved greater punish-
ments, if anie greater can be. And now, becaus we are assured
that manie calumneis are sett out against us, becaus we have ab-
sented our selves frome our flocke, which ever we loved more nor
our lives, we have thought good to write to you the caus of the
same, and necessitie which lay upon us, albeit we know ye your-
selves cannot be ignorant of all this mater. It is knowne to you
how that, for the resisting of the course which the rulers of court
had in hand, (so dangerous unto the Kirk of God ; which appeares
this day, and will yitt draw with it greater miserie, and thraldome
in conscience, if the Lord putt not to his mercifuU hand, to help
in this desperat estate,) we have susteaned the burthein of greate
indignatioun of the greatest, and the continuall reproaches of the
rulers of court, which made us most assured that they were bent
against us, and would travell to be avenged upon us, whenever
they might see a convenient time. In the meane time, sindrie acts
of parliament are made, directlie repugnant to the Word of God,
and doctrine which Ave, of a long time bygane, have taught, espe-
ciallie concerning the policie ecclesiasticall. And, to speeke it in
few words, our whole forme of spirituall governement, grounded
upon the Word of God, (wherunto the cursed bishops subscrived
themselves, as their hand-writt will testifie,) which was growing
and increassing in God's raercie among us, and did grow and in-
creasse, untill it came to a reasonable perfectioun ; at this parlia-
ment is altogether cast doun. That which was receaved as of
God, that was in use among us, followed out to the great comfort
76 calderwood's historie 1584.
and etlificatioun of our kirks, must be cast doun without reckon-
ing, by the earnest labours of ours, and God's verie enemies, almost
within the space of twentie-foure houres ; no reasoning being had
of the weightinessc of the articles, by them Avho are called the
Lords of the Articles ; none of the ministrie being heard, nor per-
mitted to come neere them ; yea, they of the Articles sworne oft-
times to reveele nothing, least, peradventure, this strange dealing
comming to the eares of the ministrie, they sould have withstand
in pulpit, according to the Word of God, their dangerous and
wicked attempts. And that which is greatest of all, when we sent
doun to the court Mr David Lindsay, our brother, a wise and
learned man, desiring w^e might be heard, he was apprehended,
and committed to prisoun, where he remaines as yitt, as we heare.
" What thir things tend to, they that are of God, and have the
spirit of righteous judgement, easilie may espie. Our bishops, of
whome some are grosse libertins and bellie-gods, whose infameis
are scene and graipped of you all ; some sacrilegious dilapida-
tours of their whole benefices ; some disturbers of the state of the
poore kirk ; all wanting warrant in conscience of their calling, yea,
all bearing testimonie of evill conscience, in that now they con-
demne that which before they subscrived as undoubted truthe ;
some suspended frome their ministrie, some deprived, some ex-
commuuicat ; these men must be the rulers in the spirituall governe-
ment, and the samine governement must flow, not frome Christ
Jesus, but frome the corrupt affectioun of these who calles these
unworthie soules to suche high promotioun. Beside, the articles
were penned and presented to some ministers to subscrive, sub-
mitting themselves to their tyrannicall regiment ; which, if anie
will refuse to doe, he must be a tratour. The consideratioun of
these things, and manic others, moved us in our sermons to af-
firme we would sticke to the forme of governement grounded upon
the Word of God ; we would oppone our selves against this new
and suddane confusioun ; as, in verie deed, was done by us, in
token wherof protestatiouns were made, both frome the pulpit,
and frome the mercat croce. Wherefore, our enemeis, yea, yours
1584. Oi' THE KIliK OF SCOTLAND. 77
and God's owne eneraeis, (as experience has begunne to teache,
and most assuredlie will teache more hardlie heerafter, except the
Lord provide speedie remeed,) having the occasioun offered, pur-
chased a charge to the proveist and bailiffes of Edinburgh, think-
ing to mak our owne flocke, above whose soules so carefullie Ave
have watched, to be burrioes to us, to tak and apprehend aU mini-
sters that conveened to the eldership, (which before was almost the
onlie bridle to vice,) and hold them in svire and fast prisoun. And
siclyke, whosoever spake, ather in privat places, or in pulpit in
their sermons, against anie of their acts, or thir their unhappie
courses, to be taikin immediatlie by them, cast in prison, and
handled as sould be thought most meete. In the meane time,
wantoun words were givin out, that if we followed our courses,
which surelie is of God, though our heads were als great as hay-
stackes, we sould want them. We saw also good brethrein of the
ministrie apprehended, of whom, we were assured, they had not so
great mislyking as of us. Of all these things did arise our hard
battell and greevous tentatiouns, which, how greevous they were
unto us. He knowes who searches the hearts. To stay from our
good caus we could not, for then we sould be tratours to God, who
has beene so good to us. To continue therein was compted trea-
soun to the king, and hurtsome to our flockes, who gott the charge
to tak us, in case of our proceeding in our office ; which is, to con-
demne all acts made by men repugning to the decreets of the living
God. Thus wrastling betuixt the tentatiouns, and tossed heavilie
betuixt wind and wave ; in end, we resolved to reserve our selves
to a better time. And of a truthe this resolutioun was takin in
the bitternesse of our heart, and in manie teares, especiallie remem-
bring of you, our deare flocke. That was done after manie prayers,
and after we Avere assured it was the will of the Lord, as we are
assured the godlie think so indeid ; and we farther perswade our-
selves, that the Lord once sail lett the world understand he had
his great worke in it, to his owne glorie.
" Lett no good man, therefore, thinke that this is against the
law of God, or good conscience : farrc be it frome us, that wilfuUIe
78 calderwood's niSTORiE l''>84
so we sould offend, seing we have walked in uprightnessc of con-
science among you, and trusts, by God's grace, to doe to the end.
We have manie things to write unto you, which we darre not com-
mitt to paper and inke, for your caus, in thir dangerous dayes.
The Lord give you grace to stand, remembring to follow these
things which yee have heard and embraced. We feare woolves
sail intrude themselves upon you, as we heare some alreadie have
done ; which is a sore wound unto us, beside that we are plucked
away frome you. We told you, when we were with you, that the
contempt of the truthe would bring on the plague of the foolish
pastors, who sought themselves, and not Christ Jesus, the great Pas^
tour of the flocke. This little burthein, layed upon us by the mer-
cifull hand of our God, we trust we sail susteane and beare in pa-
tience. We trust also we sail not be idle, but be profitable for the
kirk, even there, in helping with some our labours which were be-
gunne amongst you, and could not be perfyted by reasoun of our
manifold occupations. We are in good hope the Lord sail unite
us once againe : alwise his good will be done. We cannot wearie
to speeke to you by letter, seing we may not by coqoorall presence.
The Lord forgive the authors of this separatioun, and make thera
once to know, they have lifted up themselves in their pride against
Him who sail humble them. Thus, we ceasse to trouble you, or
awbound your hearts anie farther, by remembrance upon us, and
upon the libertie lost for a time, which our God did give unto us,
and so committs you to the protectioun of Him that is Most High.
The Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you for ever. By ,
yours to be commanded in the Lord, Avith manie tcares.
{Sic suhscrihitar) " J. LowsONE.
" Walter Balcanquall.'»
Johne Carnes, reader, presented their letter to the counsell of
Edinburgh. They directed it to the king, at the perswasioun of
Henrie Nisbit, a favourer of the Duke of Lennox' and Arran's
courses. The Bishop of Sanct Andrewes penned a letter, where-
with the kirk of Edinburffh was urffed to send, as an answcre to
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 79
the letter sent by their pastors. Whils the king remained at Falk-
land, Arran and Colonell Stewart came diverse times to Edin-
burgh, to urge subscriptioun. Their guiltie conscience putt them
in suche feare, that they caused the toun keepe a great watche,
everie night during their abode. Mauie refused to subscrive the
letter. Some Avere imprisoned. Edward and James Cathkins,
two brethrein, and Robert Marke, were banished. Heere followeth
the tenor of the letter : —
"We have receaved and read your letter, for the which offense
we have humblie craved pardoun at his Majestic ; Avho hath not
onlie, of his great clemencie, graunted the satne to us, but hath also
permitted us to write this present, hereby to use you more chari-
tablie and honestlie than ye have used us of late : remitting to
learned men, and your own consciences, to show (since ye are not
blinded with ignorance, or laike learning, at the least some of you)
how farre ye have sliddin from the right way, in your last letter
writtin to us, by unreverentlie alledging and affirming that his
Hienesse' last acts of parliament have no ground or warrant in the
Word of God, but, by the contrare, are directlie opposite and re-
pugning thereto. Remitting the samine to be impugned by the
learned, they content us fullie, and satisfie us, since we can find no
part of the Scriptures and Word of God plainlie repugnant there-
to : as also, in respect the first act of the last parliament ratifeis
and allowes the libertie of preaching the Word, and religioun plain-
lie professed within this realme, and administratioun of sacraments ;
and since also, they were concluded by the estate, amongst whome
there be men both fearing God, and learneder and wiser than ye
are. It contents us to follow Sanct Paul, in the 13th of the
Epistle to the Romans, the meaning wherof ye have too seldome
exhorted us to follow. To returne then to our purpose : In respect
ye have not onlie contemptuouslie and unreverentlie slaundered
the good and necessar lawes established by his Majestic and estats
of parliament, slaundered his counseil and present estate, exhort-
ing all men to the mislyking of the same, fled ftirth of this realme
unchallenged or persued, thereby making kythe your guiltie con-
80 CALDERWOOd's HISTOKIE 1584.
sciences, but also have not behaved yourselves duetifulHe, in par-
ticular, towards us, your late flocke, first in leaving us by our know-
ledge, against your duetie, and conditions made to us, thereby put-
ting his Majestic in suspicioun of our foreknowledge of the same ;
nixt in making us offend his Majestic, in recept and reading of
your slaunderous letter, ye now having made your selves his fugi-
tives and rebells : Wherefore, and in respect of the foresaids causes,
willing to use you, as we said before, more charitablie and honest-
lie than yee have done us, we therefore, by thir presents, discharge
our selves unto you ; esteeming our selves no longer your flocke,
nor you anie longer our pastors ; thanking God, the ruler of the
secreet thoughts of all hearts, that He hath made you manifest, to
your owne shame, and to the releeving us of woolves, in place of
pastors. Thus, hoping his Majestic sail provide us of good and
quiett- spirited pastors, we committ you to God's mercie, who may
make you ashamed of your former offenses, and unfainedlie to re-
pent for the same."
In the meane time there Avere spread in w^ritt, some reasons why
suche as feare God sould not subscrive this godlesse letter as fol-
lowes : —
"All that subscrive the divelish and blasphemous answere
made unto the godlie and confortable letter sent by the
pastors of Edinburgh unto their flocke, in tyme of their
persecution, are goates of the flocke, and not true sheepe ;
false professors, and not true Christians ; perjured men,
and not faithfull people ; promise breakers, mercilesse ty-
ranns, and false backe-bytters ; and, therefore, imder the
wrathe of God in the meane time to fall, if they prevent
not the same by unfained repentance.
" It is provin that they are goates of the flocke, and not true
sheepe, becaus, since their departing, they have followed strangers,
not knowing the voice of their trae sheepheards, specking unto
1584. OF THE KIKK OF SCOTLAND. 81
tliem by letter, sent for no otlier cans but to confort the flocke,
least they be moved and overcome with the present afflictioun
wherewith Satan has tempted manie.
''NIxt, They are false professors, and not true Christians; for
they once appeared to have roote and floorishing, but at the shyn-
ning- of the sunne in his heate, are now withered and fallin away.
"Thridlie, They are perjured and not faithfull, becaus there was
a famous and solemne assemblie used in the kirk of Edinburgh, be-
fore the celebratloun of the Lord's Supper, to the end that the whole
bodie of the kirk, both pastors and flocke, being purged from all
publict offensses, they might communicat at that table worthilie.
And at this time, the Avhole kirk of Edinburgh being assembled,
after earnest invocatioun of God's name, first, the flocke was charged
upon their conscience to beare record of the doctrine and lives of
their pastors ; and if they knew anie slaunder or offense in their
persons, to declare the samine : and that all might speeke in their
triell freelie, the pastors were removed. But, after diligent inqui-
sitioun, they were allowed of the whole eldership of the kirk, of
the proveist, bailiffes, and counsell of the toun, and last, of the rest
of the whole bodie, joyning therewith publict prayers and thanks-
giving to God for their perseverance ; the register wherof is yitt
extant, to the great glorie and honour of these faithful pastors ; and,
on the other part, to the great shame and reproache of suche un-
thankfull men that, this day, subscrive the contrare, although the
decent and comelie order was continuallie used, untill the late per-
secutioun of the pastors. But the veritie is not impaired with the
light reeds shakin with the wind; nather are true pastors hereby
dishonoured : for it is no reproache that comes by them who, with
the same mouth, curse and blesse, honour and dishonour God's
truthe, and messingers therof.
" Fourthlie, T'hey are promise breakers ; for that mutuall cove-
nant, whereby the pastors and flocke were united, is brokin by
them, heereby loosing that confortable societie Avhich once Edin-
burgh and the flocke had with them.
"Fyftlie, They are mercilesse tyranns ; for, heereby they wounded
VOL. IV. F
82 call»ekwood's histokie 1584.
the hearts of their faithfull pastors, that brake unto them the bread
of life. For if Paul, in the middest of his persecutiouns, judged
himself to be alive, bccaus the kirk of Thessalonica, in his absence,
stood steadfast in the Lord, sail not the pastors of Edinburgh be
wounded by the dolors of death through the fall of thir unconstant
men ? And als, if the said apostle had great consolatioun, for that
the Thessalonians had good remembrance of him, desiring most ar-
dentUe to see him, sail not they have great sorrow, becaus the me-
morie of them, and their power, was extinguished ; and also, they
have maliciouslie divorced themselves fromethem? But, O wicked
men ! can there be a just ca>us of divorce frome your pastors, who
now, by Satan, are rent frome their flocke for a seasoun, concern-
ing their bodilie presence, whill as yitt, in their hearts, they have a
great desii*e to be with them ? Thus did not the kirk of Thessalo-
nica to Paul, nor the kirk of Millan to Ambrose, in time of per-
secutioun. Yitt, O faithful pastors ! in the middest of all your
sorrowes, lett your glorie and crowne of your rejoycing be, that
some, although poore and abject sinners, within thir tempests, na-
ther for feare of horning, banishment, imprisonment, death, or
other torments, abide constant.
" Last of all. They are false backebyters ; for if anie just offense
had beene into them, they would have persued and accused them
before their ordinarie judges, who judge, two severall dayes in the
weeke, upon maters ecclesiasticall : upon Tuisday, the presbyterie,
(a notable ornament of this natioun, albeit now by Sathan forbid-
din ;) and upon Thursday, the eldership of Edinburgh. And both
unto the one and the other, with all reverence, they ever submitted
themselves. But at that time no man did, or could, justlie blame
them. As to these who have caused this divelish letter to be al-
lowed by subscriptiouns, I will not at this time speeke, seing their
whole proceedings in this mater, both first and last, testifeis that
they doe against their owne conscience, the Word of God, and
good reasoun. For they brought some that are now ringleaders in
Edinburgh into this error and uncleannesse, with craftie and flat-
tering words ; and others they travell daylie to overcome by force,
1581. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 83
and terrour of banishement, imprisoning, death, and other persecu-
tiouns, by the which, the devill, impietie, and falset, have their au-
thoritie in this world, as is weill knowne. And for this cans, we
that are faithfull, assure our selves that the letter is false and
divelish. But therunto it hath beene answered before ; which, I
trust, sail satisfie the hearts of the godlie.
" As towards their departure, I trust that no man is ignorant of
the charge that Christ gives to his apostles, when he sends them
to preache in Judea, saying, ' When they persecute you in this
citie, flee to another ;' and again, ' Whosoever will not heare you,
nor your words, when ye depart out of that citie or house, shake
off the dust oflf your feete ;' to signifie, their land is polluted, and
that ye consent not to their wickednesse. And when the rulers
and courteours of Babell could find no occasioun nor fault against
Daniel, they caused King Nebuchadnezer^ mak an act against
him, concerning the law of his God ; which, as he refused con-
stantlie, so might he lawfuUie have fled the furie of the king and
rulers, as Paul did in Thessalonica, and others manie moe. Where-
fore, O brethrein in Edinburgh, stand fast in the Lord, and come
out from among suche, and seperat your selves, and tuiche not the
uncleane thing ; and the Lord will receave you, and be a father to
you, and ye sail be daughters and sonnes to him."
THE BISHOP OF SANCT ANDREWERl' ANSWERE TO MR LOWSONE AND
MR BALCANQUALL, FROME FALKLAND, 9TH JULIE 1584,
" The Proveist and BailifFes of Edinburgh being charged by the
king's Majestic, to present a letter subscrived with your hands,
Mr James Lowsone and Mr Walter Balcanquall ; which letter,
after I had perused, I humblie supplicat his Majestic that it might
be permitted to me to direct an answere thereto. For albeit, in
directing your letter to the toun of Edinburgh, and sindrie honest
men therin, yee might have brought them under the danger of the
' The word is so written in Calderwood, but is evidently a slip of the pen for
Darius.
84 calderwood's historie 1584.
king's lawes, who had not deserved that at your hands, our ductie
and obedience to our soverane had not suft'ercd us to use the like
indiscretioun, but to obteanc his Majestie's licence to that effect.
Nather sail ye esteeme that, in this answere, I putt my hooke in
other men's corne, as the conimoun proverb is, making this I'eply,
to a letter not direct to me, but to the toun of Edinburgh ; becaus,
albeit your letter be so inscrived, it conteans verie little or nothing
concerning the said toun, but rather diverse forged calumneis
against the king's Grace, Honorable Privie Counsell, the Estats of
Parliament, and degrees of the realme, the estate wherunto God
hath called us, and sindrie invented injureis against these, whom it
behoves you in your calling to honour and reverence, if your
penne had beene conducted by that Holie Spirit which, in the
beginning of your letter, ye use to your congregatioun. Nather
doe I greatlie mervell on the part of Mr Walter Balcanquall : age,
and small educatioun in learning, may carie him to suche attempts :
but of you, Mr James, whose travels are bestowed in learning, age,
experience, and knowledge, that ye sould have directed from you
writtings of anie suche interprise. And, surelie, if we had onlie to
doe with people of our countrie, I would not esteome your writ-
ting worthie of an answere. But becaus other natiouns might be
perhaps otherwise informed than the truthe, by some phantasticall
and curious heads, that ye sould not abuse yourself in yom' owne
opinioun, the countrie, nor estate, I could no longer temper to in-
forme you witli this letter, what slanderous heids ye have com-
mitted to your writting ; how weake your excuses are, ye make
for the departing frome your flocke, that under the colour therof
ye might colour suche other attemptats as have beene practised,
and, praised be God, discovered before the sunne and the moone.
" But least yee sould esteeme that I doe not directlie impugne
the articles of your pretended allegeances, first of all, I perceave
suche generalitie in your indytement, as sophists doe use when
they would soyle the eyes of ignorant and unlearned men. Ye
say, that now the plagues are performed which yee before threat-
ned ; and ye sett not doun, what thrcatnings ye used, or what
1584. OF THE KlLiK OF SCOTLAND. 85
time, or upon what places of Scripture, that the triell of God's
Word might examine your spirit. Nather doe yee specific what
plagues are now performed, wliich before ye threatned. For if ye
meane of this late attempted rebellioun, it is a plague unto the
countrie : men of good judgement will inferre that ye have beene
privie to it, not by the revelatioun of the Spirit, but by conference
of flesh and blood ; wherunto your suddane departure frome your
flocke, without anie just occasioun, has givin no little perswasioun
the samine to be of truthe ; and, therefore, will desire you, in the
name of God, not to pretext the holie message of God's calling to
suche threatnings, as carnall affectiouns on the one part, and hatred
and malice of men, with sinister informatioun of craftie persouns
who abuse, and have abused, your simple crediditie, to be conducted
as the winds of the factiouns and conspiraceis had blowne ; the
which, the secund article of your letter does manifestlie declare.
For ye say, the course of the court, this while bygane, had beene
so dangerous, that ye repugned and resisted thereto ; and that ye
were enemeis to them, and they to you ; in the which, as ye dis-
cover your proceedings to be grounded upon malice, so is your
generalitie most captious and dangerous.
" Ye speake of the riders of the court, and their practises against
the truth ; nather doe ye except his Majestie, who is the most zeal-
ous and godlie prince, praised be God, and of greatest expectatioun
in the earth. Nather doe ye show anie practise of anie of the court
intended against the Word of God ; which, if ye had knowin, your
duetie required, to have admonished anie of the noblemen, and
counsell of the realme, and his Majestie's self, if that your inten-
tions had beene soundlie, in the feare of God, to sute after a refor-
matioun ; and not rashlie, under the pretence of this generall lan-
guage, to inflamme the hearts of the subject against their prince,
if it were possible, to bereave them of that naturall duetie which
they ought to their soveran, even for conscience sake. Nather can
ye say, that particular accesse was denyed you at anie time to his
Hienesse' owne presence, when ever ye craved the same : but
contrarie wise, his Majestie had your promise not to speeke anie
80 calderwood's historie 1584.
thing in pulpit concerning him and his estate, whill yee had ad-
vertised his Grace, that he might have redressed the same. So
that, if I would reasoun with you in thir termes, that ye had violat
your promise, that ye had past the bounds of your calling, and
transgressed the dutie of a good subject, I am sure ye sould be
more unable to defend your selves than yee are presumptuous to
accuse others. Ye tak you frome the court and counsell to the
estats of the realme conveened at this late parliament, and sett
doun sindrie majesticall sentences ; but all in generall but anie rea-
soun subscrived on your part, as if the estats of the realme had i-ash-
lie proceeded, and all were oracles, that ye dreame and fantasie in
a commoun wealth. Ye sayj the articles of Parliament are repug-
nant to the Word of God ; and ye show not what articles, in what
points, and for what reasoun. The first act does expreslie allow and
ratifie the religloun established in this countrie. If that act does
inislike you, I doe mervell what hath so suddainlie transported you :
the wind of everie doctrine.
" But if we agree in the solide fundament of our faith, and the
questioun, as ye write, is onlie for the policie of our kirk, it followes
necessarilie, that the questioun sail be brought to this estate, whe-
ther the ministers of a countrie sould prescrive to the prince and
conmioun wealth ; or if it be a cheefe article of his princelie office ?
which no manof good judgement is able to denie, ormainteane the
contrare. And surelie the little successe which hath insued thir
yeeres bygane, hath givin a manifest testimonie that the policie of
an estate cannot depend upon the uncertan and arbitral! decrees of
ministers, but nmst be founded upon the law of God, and godlie
constitutions of the prince. If this time were proper, and if your
ownc conscience bearc you not record, what confusioun hath insued
on that policie ; (but rather disorder,) which hath beene intended
in the kirk heeretofore, no man having the oversight of dioceses,
na difference betuixt great and small, learned and unlearned, youno-
and old, no wise experimented in the Scriptures, but everie one
claming equall authoritie and jurisdictioun, whereby insued suche
confusioun, that the enemeis of the Woi-d did call our Assembleis
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 87
Malcolmetoshes courts, and [said] that the decrees made in the
said Assembleis did, in number, exceed the canon law ; the most
part fighting against themselves, and contrare one to another. Acts
made to derogate the estat of the realme, yea, manifest treasoun
allowed and approved, and an act sett furth to excommunicat all
them who would not subscrive, that the Road of Ruthven, wherin
his Hienesse' persoun was apprehended, and, with danger, reteaned
against his will, was a good and godlie act for the kirk ; admoni-
tions direct, charging the king and his counselFnot to dispone his
patrimonie of bishopricks to anie qualified persons, under paine of
excommunicatioun ; fastings solemnelie reclamed throughout the
realme, under the pretext of sanctimonie, but conteaning secreet
practises, frome time to time, of lurking treasoun, and to incitat
and provoke some subjects to rebellioun ; to conveene the gentle-
men of the countrie, to practise with them, in pretence of pres-
bytereis ; to alter and change, day lie, the order and state of the
kirk, as within thir few yeeres has beene, frome superintendents to
bishops, frome bishops to visitors, frome visitors to commissioners,
and frome commissioners to presbytereis and moderators : and,
finallie, to have none other order in the Kirk of Scotland but that
which had beene commaunded by pluralitie of votes, wherin the
most unwise and unlearned does often times prevaile ; the confusioun
wherof had made new lawes to be appointed by the king and
estats, as is in the proverbe. Ex vialis moribus bonoB leges. And,
as concerning the lawes themselves, sett doun in this parliament, I
wish ye sould beare a greater reverence to our king, estates, and
countrie, than to traduce them in suche sort, in respect of diverse
men of good judgement, who had not consented thereto, but a good
warrant both of the law of God and upright conscience. And
when ye sail lett us understand anie weightie argument out of the
Scriptures of God, and antiquitie of the primitive kirk, ye may, if
ye be not sufficientlie answered, please yourselves in your owne
opinioun. But we are assured the farther ye sail travell in ryping up
the ground of the truthe, ye sail more and more damne your owne
proceedings, and give place in the end to the veritie. And, there-
8S caldkrwood's historie 1584.
fore, in this point I will appeale you rather to a learned conten-
tioun than suffer you to misuse your stile, in a profane maner of in-
jurious caluuineis.
" It pleased you, masters, to call us cursed bishops, violators of our
faith, and other odious termes unworthie of the eares of Christians,
where as, (if it were not contrarie to the Christian dutie,) we would
upbraid to the speciall of your opinioun, greater imperfectiouns than
ye are able to charge anie of us with. And if ye had read the no-
table sentence of Jerome against Vigilantius, ye had not abused
your paper with unreverend indytement. For Vigilantius having
charged Jerome with some offense, in his youth, Jerome writeth,
that becaus he did faile in proofe of his cause, he converted his stUe
into calumneis and misrepoi-ts, ' which is the maner,' sayes Jerome,
' of all these who find themselves destitute of a good cans ;' like
as some of the Papists of our ownc countrie, in their bookes im-
printed, have sett furth diverse offensses in ministers. And if ye
sail follow their exemple, and we in like maner towards you, we
sail both expone the truthe to the mocking of the commoun ene-
meis, and mak an entrie to the idolatrie papall abolished among us,
to the which ye appeare to endevoure your selves, by the foolish
desertioun of your flocke, if God had not indued his Majestic with
constancie in religioun, which, by your misbehaviour, (praised be
God,) can not be brangled, muche lesse altered or changed. And
albeit there hath beene in us anie having imperfectioun, and that
ye had not the spirit of Sem and Japhet, to cover them with the
mantle, notwithstanding, there can be no crime so great as may be
justlie compared Avith this present desertioun of your flockes ; the
which, although ye would cover, under the pretext of just feare, it
is on no wise so. For I know most assuredlie the contrare, that
no man did pretend anie injurie or hurt to the smallest preacher of
the tinithe, who had not manifestlie assisted the late rebellions,
atlier by giving of counsell, practising, publict avowing in pulpit of
their doings contrare their dueteis ; and notwithstanding, diverse
of them rather spaired by his ISIajestie's clemencie, and reverence
he beareth to our calling, nor for anie their owne demerits. And
1584. OF THE KIKK OF SCOTLAND. 89
surelie, for my owne part, I do not believe that anie kinde of feare
could move you to desert your flockes, if ye have not some guilti-
nesse of ininde ; and that some woffle and malicious persoun had
not suddenlie affrayed your weake stonuicke, and moved you to
depart, rather to raak a commotioun popular, (if possible could
have beene,) than for anie other good cans.'
" Ye sould know, by reading of Scriptures, what boastings the ser-
vants of God had in time of troubles, and raundered their life for
the professioun of the truthe ; and farther, how Johne Chrysostome,
being condemned by a synod of bishops, said, ' Ego ex hoc tlirono
(meaning the pulpit) non descendam nisi imperatoria vi coactus^
But when has his Hienesse within the realme threatned or punished,
without great rebellioun, and the samine often times pardoned, and
they abused his cleraencie and mercie ? Did he adhibite anie vio-
lence to throw you furth of your pulpit ? Or, contrariewise, did
he not requeist and desire, like a godlie prince, you and all other
ministers, and masters of colledges, to conteane yourselves with-
in the bounds of your owne calling, to teache and instruct your
owne people and flocke in the feare of God, good life and ma-
ners, and obedience to their magistrats ; and not us, who sould
be the instruments of peace, to be the disturbers and disquiet-
ers of the commoun wealth, by our seditious and popular ser-
mouns ? which, as the onlie thing his Majestic willed us, to cutt the
Word of God aright to his subjects, which being his Majestie's and
estates' whole end and intentioun, I doe not little mervell what
has imprinted this suddane and panick feare into your hearts, ex-
cept ye be bereft and spoiled of your naturall judgement ; which
may verie Aveill appeare, in that ye have sought your refuge in the
realme of England, where you cannot possesse greater libertie of
the Gospell than you have in this countrie. For, as concerning
the princesse her self, albeit her Majestic loveth and mainteaneth
' In consequence of the loss of several pages in the original, the deficiency has been
necessarily supplied from Caldervvood's first Cura, extending from the commencement
of this volume to tlie present paragraph.
90 calderwood's historie 1584.
the Gospell, she is a rare auditrix of the preaching, and, except in
Lent, and few solemne dayes, heares no sermons. His Hienesse, be •
side the privie exercise used in his hous everie day, after dinner
and supper, by one termed minister exponing the chapter, ob-
serveth solemnehe the sermons everie Sunday twice, with his whole
nobiHtie and counsel!, and siclyke on every Wedinsday and Fiy-
day in the yeere. Her Majestic hath continued the reformatioun of
King Edward, wherin the kirk is burthened with sindrie ceremo-
neis and injunctions, wherunto their clergie is astricted, wherewith
his Hienesse hath not burthened his realme. Notwithstanding
that Peter Martyr, Master Bucer, and Bullinger, men to be reve-
renced for their learning and sinceritie, did write to the bishops of
England and whole pastors, that when the prince prescrived these
ceremoneis, that it was not lesome to pastors or ministers to leave
their flockes desolate, but rather to rander reverence. Which booke,
if ye had perused, I thinke ye would not so lightlie have left your
congregatioun. For, as concerning the lawfull authoritie of bishops
in their dioceses, and princes' authoritie royall over all the estats
within the realme, there is no man in England, where ye are now,
had called the same in questioun, but some turbulent spirits who
are banished the realme, and beginne to repent themselves of their
foolish opinioun. As contrariwise, there is no act passed by us in
parliament, to the which the whole learned, godlie, and faithfull
professors of the Word, bishops, pastors, and ministers there, had
not subscrived without anie controversie, manic in number, and
rare in eruditioun, and suche in wisdome, that I cannot believe her
Majestic, being so wise and godlie a princesse, will receave you, or
anie suche as you, within that realme, to minister occasioun of anie
fond opinioun Avithin her countrie ; or that the estate of that clear-
gie will tolerat suche beastlie men aa yee are, to infect the youth of
that countrie. For this propositioun 1 sett doun, as the occasioun
of this letter, that the order, or rather disorder, which in the Booke
of your Policie was appointed to the king and his estates, cannot
stand with the sinceritie of the trutlie, with the exemple of the an-
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 91
cients, nor vnth the scepter of anie Christian prince, which cannot
be but continuallie disquietted, by meanes of your popular dis-
order.
" And, therefore, as for you, Mr Walter Balcanquall, knowing
your qualiteis not to be suche as may serve for so notable congre-
gations, I would, notwithstanding, use all meanes toward his IMa-
jestie, with my humble prayer, to reduce you, Mr James Loav-
sone, heere in your countrie, to be a good instrument in times to
come. And if it sail fall otherwise upon your part, I trust, all na-
tiouns sail understand that you have not loved your flocke, but
upon suche occasiouns, as cannot justlie be mainteaned : Therefore,
returne to the ku-k, we crave you ; the king, who is gracious, and
your brethrein, who eamestlie desire a godlie forme of policie set-
tled in the countrie, to the contentement of the countrie, and example
and lanterne to other natiouns ; which is the speciall desire of the
king your master, whome God preserve, and for whose weilfare
we sould have been more carefuU than your departing hath de-
clared : the which I wishe you heartilie to amend, and so committs
you to God.
« From Falkland, the 9th of JiUie 1584.
" Your brother, if yee travell not to divide the unitie of the
kirk,
"M. P. AX)A]VISOKE,
" Bishop of Sanct Andrewes."
Mr James and Mr Walter wrote a sharpe and picking answere
to the bishop, as some manuscripts beare ; but I have not scene it :
alvvise, they sent this letter following, as a reply to the letter sub-
scrived by a number of the flocke : —
'•' The Spirit of the Lord Jesus confort you in these danger-
ous dayesy and latter end of the loorld. Amen.
" Our dutie constraineth us, and necessitie compelleth us, deare
brethrein, to answere so shortlie as we can, a letter which, of late.
92 caldeuwood's iilstokie 1584.
is come into our liands, subscrivcd, as we are informed, by some of
that flocke, for the weale of whose soules how faithfuUie and care-
fulHe we have watched, the Lord doth knowe, and you yourselves
beare record unto us. It cannot be tokl, how deepeUe we were
wounded at the reading of that writting. The dolour was the
greater, and the wounds the more greevous, that frome you came
dolour to us, who so oft had conforted you ; and by you we
were wounded, whose wounds and sores we have healed, with the
most sweete and confortable medicine of the gracious Word of God,
whcrof we were dispensators in the middest of you. Our hearts
and mindes were manie wayes oppressed with sorrow before, not
onlie becaus we were constrained by the tyrannic of bloodie men,
by bloodie intentiouns against us, and bloodie decreets made and
published, to leave our friends, wives, childrein, and native countrie,
but also to depart from you, above whose soules the Lord had
placed us watche men. Yitt a good conscience, and suretie that
God hath made this separatioun for a time, (wherewith we were
and are assured,) did susteane and comfort us, in the middest of
these miseries.
" But your letter addeth afflictioun to afflictioun, and trouble to
trouble, upon us whom the Lord had smitten before, and who ever
have, and yitt do so inteerlie love you in Christ Jesus. Yitt in
the middest of this tentatioun our good God offercth mater of con-
solatioun to us. For we doe understand that this letter was both
dytted and obtruded to you by others ; and yee both urged and
threatened oft times to subscrive the same. Which thing manie
refused flatlie to doe, being a mater against their conscience, and
choosed rather banishment, imprisonment, fetters, and chaines,
which sail be unto them palms in their hands, and crownes upon
their heads, when the names of others sail be writtin upon the
earth in shame and ignominie. Some bought themselves by, and
so were not preassed hardlie to lee against their owne soules in
their subscriptioun. Others subscrived, indeed, ather for feare,
protesting they did the same at the commandement of the superiour
powers, against their will ; ather seduced by that rod of God's
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 93
wrathe, and great plague to thee, O Edinburgh, who taketh upon
hira to be the perswader of others, whose vengeance sleepeth not,
and whose judgement doeth approache. Of the which number,
sindrie arc heavilie troubled in conscience, becaus they subscrived
against conscience ; and we are aflfrayed the worms sail grow and
gnaw tlie minde more hardlie heerafter, whome gladlie we w"Ould
confort, and trust so to doe, that they be not overburthenned in
this tentatioun. Verie few, in the meane time, have subscrived
frome the heart ; no, not foure or five of our old enemies, as we
are informed ; albeit it be no marvell that in such a cono:reo;atioun
manic sould have beene found who, being urged so hardlie, threat-
ened so tyrannouslie, and intysed so craftilie, might have beene
moved to pleasure flesh and blood, and subscrive that letter, con-
teaning so manie calumnies and false accusatiouns against us, wlio
have ever boldlie reproved iniquitie, and for that caus incurred the
hatred of the world. The things layed to our charge are surelie
layed to the charge of Him that sent us : for in them all we have
warrant from above, as by God's grace once sail be proved, to the
glorie of our God, confusioun of his and our enemeis. We are
accused of uncharitablenesse and unhonest dealing, for writting
unto you, making you offend the king's Majestic, in receaving and
reading our letter ; for which caus also you say you have craved
and obteaned pardoun : that we have contem.ptuouslie and un-
reverentlie spokin of the good and necessar lawes of the countrie,
established by his Majestic and estats of parliament : that we have
fled from the realme, unchallenged or unpersued, and so, left our
owne congregatioun, against dutie and promise : that never, or scl-
dome, we have taught to you obedience to princes : that we are
unquiett spirits, yea, woolves, and not pastors, made manifest to our
shame ; and, in end, before we have place to speeke, answere, or
write for ourselves, yee concluded yee will no more esteeme us to
be your pastors, nor yourselves to be our flocke.
" First, then, yee aflSrme, as we have dealt uncharitablie and
unhonestlie with you, for writting to you, and making you offend
the king's Majestic, in receaving and reading our letter, for the
94 CALDEK wood's iiistorie 1584.
which cans also yee say yee have craved and obteaned pardon ;
surelie the letter was Avrittin in manie tearcs, in the bitternesse of
our hearts, according to our duetie, from your owne pastors, to
you, our owne flocke, bound unto your pastors by innumerable ob-
ligatiouns ; after the exemple of the deerest sancts and servants of
God, when they were absent from their flockes, or constrained to
leave their congregations at the commandement of the Sonne of
God, and (as we are assured) by the good motioun of the Spii'it
of God. How is it, then, that we dealt with you ather unchari-
tablie or unhonestlie, in writting to you ? or that ye had so great
necessitie to crave pardoun for reading of our writtings ? Are we
of late growne so contemptible in your eyes, that yee think it a
great offence to receave a letter from us, who yitt have receaved
so oft comfort spirituall from our mouths, specking in the name of
the Lord ? Or is that letter so treasonable in the self, that for tlie
reading therof yee are all made tratours, and must crave pardoun
from his Majestic? Sanct Johne, being constrained by the tyrannic
of Domitian to leave these congregatiouns planted by him in Little
Asia, and goe in banishment in Patmos, being there solitarie, in
great heavinesse and manie teares, did he not write seven epistles
(which have beene latelie preached unto you) to the seven kirks
there ? and did they not receave and read the same, to their great
confort and instructioun ? Reade yee, that for this cans they ac-
cused the deere servant of God of uncharitablenesse and unhonest
dealing? Or, rather, did they not thinke this proceeded of cha-
ritie and duetie ? Did they runne to Domitian, with the letters in
their hands, confessing an offence for receaving or reading the
epistles, and craving pardoun at the hands of the Emperour for the
same ? Surelie, nather did they traduce Johne to the magistrat ;
nather would they acknowledge that to be an offence which was
their duetie ; nather did it enter into their mindes to crave par
doun for that Avherin they had not offended.
" But yee say, we have made ourselves rebels by speaking against
the king's lawes, and escaping out of the countric, and, therefore,
we, falling in this rebellion, have dealt uncharitablie and unhonest-
1584. OF THE KIKK OF SCOTLAND. 95
lie in writting to you ; and it behoveth you to crave pardoun for
receaving and reading of our writting. Surely, whatever can be
spokin of us in this mater, the samine may be affirmed of the pro-
phets, the apostles, the martyrs, and Christ Jesus himself, who all
have damned the lawes and ordinances of men repugning to the
lawes of the everliving and blessed God ; and who have declynned
the rage of God's enemeis, and reserved their life, to the profite of
the kirk of God. But this heed will be proved heerafter. And
yitt, farther will we say, whatever we have made ourselves, Ave
have made us suche for your sakes. For your cans, we have re-
fused worldlie things, which otherwise we might have possessed
more abundantlie than manie of our fellowes. For your caus, and
the weale of your soules, we have susteaned the hatred of the
world in preaching the Word freelie, with libertie, and in the
power of Jesus Christ, unto you. For your caus, what anguishe of
minde and dolours in heart we have had, how manie battells, how
manie tentatiouns we have susteaned, what travells and importable
burthens we have borne, the righteous Judge of the world doetli
know, yourselves beare witnesse unto us, and some of our wasted
bodies doe testifie unto the world. For your caus, we were con-
strained to depart, yea, rent away perforce from you, with whom
we were so neerlie conjoyned ; for surelie this was good and pro-
fitable for you, as we trust to reasoun and prove heerafter. There-
fore, if we have made ourselves tratours, for your cause we are
tratours, albeit we protest before God, who knoweth our hearts,
we are cleane from anie treasonable dealing ; and heerin we are
readie to submit ourselves to the verie judgement of our enemeis.
Lett men define treasoun as they list ; our hearts and consciences
are pure and cleane before that God in whose presence yee and we
must compeere. And yitt, it pleaseth some of you to style us with
the titles of rebels and tratours. If our deedlie enemeis sould have
wounded us with suche a dart, we could have receaved and borne
the stroke and wound easilie. But thou, my familiar freind, yea,
whom we preferred to our owne life, who are bound to us as the
flocke to the pastor ; and, in so farre as we susteane the place and
96 calderwood's iiisTorjE 1584.
persoun of Christ, are oblislicd to us in a maner, as the kirk is
bound to Christ Jesus ! Thus have some of you not onlie slan-
dered and falselie and cahniiniouslie opened tlie mouth, and used
the penne ao^ainst us, but also wounded almost to death these
hearts which loved, and yitt love you above anie earthlie thing ;
and that Avhich is greatest of all, manie wayes, through our sides,
w^ounded the Word of God, which we have carried and dispensed
among you, and pierced through that dreadful God himself, who
called us ; for which caus, we denounce unto you, in his great
name, that so manie as repent not sail find his revenging hand
heavie upon them, day and night, when he sail rise in judgement.
" The second thing wherewith yee burthein us is, that Ave have
contemptuouslie and unreverentlie spokin of the good and necessar
lawes of the countrie, established by his Majestic and estats of par-
liament. In our letter, we affirmed that sindrie acts of parliament
are made directlie repugnant to the Word of God, and doctrine
which we have preached among you, especiallie concerning the
policie ecclesiasticall ; that by the same acts the whole forme of
spirituall government among us, grounded upon the Word of God,
(wherunto our cursed bishoi^s subscrived themselves, as their hand
writts doe testifie,) which was growing and increassing these 24
yeeres, and did grow and increasse in God's mercie among us, un-
till it came to a reasonable perfectioun, at this parliament is cast
down, almost in the space of 24 houres, no reasoning being had of
the weightinesse of the articles by these who are called the Lords
of the Articles ; none of the ministers being heard nor permitted
to come neere unto them ; they of the Articles sworne oft times to
reveelc nothing, lest, peradventure, this strange dealing, coming to
the eares of the ministrie, they sould have withstand, in pulpit,
their dangerous and wicked attempts by the Word of God ; and
that which is greatest of all, when we sent doun to court our
brother, Mr David Lindsay, to desire we might be heard, he is
cast in prisson, and remaineth yitt therin.
" This farre, indeed, we wrote into our letter. Now, we appeale
you before the throne of God ; speeke in truthe ; are yee not con-
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 97
victed in conscience that all this which we affirme is most true ?
Do yee not as yitt understand the deepenesse of Satan, which in
these acts is to be scene and graipped by these whose eyes are not
blinded, ather by the Prince of Darknesse, ather by wilfuU igno-
rance, ather by blind afFectioun, which, alas ! carieth manie to de-
struction ? And now, we affirme before God, that not onlie a
great number of these acts repugne to the Word of God, but also,
that there cannot a kirk of God endure anie short space in Scot-
land, in puritie and integritie, if these acts stand, and if they be not
called backe again, seeing they tend so manifestlie to the over-
throwing of the great worke of God wrought in Scotland. And
we think this a benefite of God, that the devill hath shewed him-
self in them, what he meaneth in his instruments, for the removing
of the candlestick from us, and spoiling us of the light of the
blessed Evangell. It is true the first act, wherinto ye repose your-
self overmuche, ratifieth and approveth the libertie of preaching
the Word of God, and ministration of sacraments. But see yec
not, the whole discipline and forme of governement spiritual!,
which God and acts of parliament before have granted, is heerc
altogether pretermitted ? Espy yee not the same throughout the rest
of the acts of this parliament, from the foundatiouns overthrownc
and everted ? And farther, do yee not consider that the acts of
this parliament following, not onlie spoile the kirk of God of the
right governement, but also haistilie sail spoile you of that libertie
of the Evangell which the first act appeareth to graunt ? In the
secund act, it is decerned that the king and his successors, without
exceptioun, whatsomever they be. Papists, apostats. Atheists, hypo^
crits, (as commonlie the pompe of the world draweth the higher
powers in a contempt of the Most High God,) sail be Judges com-
petent in all maters temporal! and spiritua!! ; and, consequentlie, in
all doctrine, and teaching by the Word of God. And, in anotlier
act, it is concluded that he and they may stay'^and suspend the de-
creets of anie judgement inflicting paine and punishment, als weill
ecclesiastical! as temporal! ; and farther, to make null and of no
effect decreits ecclesiastical!, alreadie past according to the Word
VOL. IV. G
98 CALDERWOOD's HISTOUIE 158
of God, and sentences of excommunicatioun justlic pronounced at
the comraandement of God. Wliich things, by a new exemple,
and never heard before this time, are practised in this parUament
in pronouncing the sentence of excommunicatioun (led against Mr
R. Montgomerie, by the authoritie of the Generall Assemblie of
all the faithfull in Scotland, being ather present themselves, or
their commissioners) to be null, and of no force and effect. In the
fourth act, all judgements and jurlsdictiouns spirituall are dis-
charged ; all users, exercisers, and obeyers of the same, are judged
worthie of that punishment which usurpers and contemners of his
Highness' authoritie deserve. Nather are they content with this
generall onlie, but also, it is forbidden in speciall, that none of the
ecclesiasticall estate conveene or assemble themselves together in
elderships, or whatsomever assembleis, to speeke or trcate of anie
ecclesiasticall mater, without his Majestle's speciall licence and ex-
presse command, under the paine due for the conveenei's of the
king's leiges. The conveening to preaching and prophecie is not
excepted. So that, howsoever libertie is graunted to preache the
Word, in the first act, libertie to conveene, to heere the Word, is
forbidden in the fourth act. And so sail yee find when men sail
interprete the same according to their purpose. In the thrid and
other acts, bishops are re-established ; all power and jurisdictioun
is given In their corrupted and polluted hands, who yitt could
never governe themselves aright, muche lesse are they able to
governe the holie citie of God. The appointing of ministers' sti-
pends is putt In the hands of the Lords Auditors of the Excheker,
and they of the brethrein of the ministrie (who before, by act of
parliament, were appointed for this purpose) discharged. In the
13th act it is ordeaned, that the first yeere's frulcts of all benefices
be uplifted to the sustentatioun of the king's guarde ; and that
everle benefice valued to 1000 pund Scotlsh sail pay 200 punds,
beside the ordinarie thrid : and siclyke of the benefices beneath,
perpetuallie. And, In end, becaus wicked men saw these things
so prejudiclall to the glorie of God, and weale of the poorc kirk of
God, and feared oppositioun in pulpits, it is statute and ordeaned,
1584. OF THE KIKK OF SCOTLAND. 99
that none, privatlie or publlctlie, in sermons or familiar conference,
speeke anie thing against their acts and efFaires conchided by the
estats, under paines conteaned in the acts of parliament.
" Now, if all doctrine frome pulpit sail be controlled by the court,
where sail be found a free speaking of the truthe and libertie of
the Word, wherwith the Lord blessed Scotland in time bypast ?
If all judgement in ecclesiasticall sessiouns may be stayed, sus-
pended, and made null, by these who are not called to the spirituall
governement, but civill administratioun in the commoun wealth,
what place sail be left to discipline, to repentance, to removing of
slanders from among the middest of the Lord's inheritance ? If
elderships, Provinciall, Nationall, or Generall Assembleis, (which
were the onlie bridle to vice in our countrie, ) and all ecclesiasticall
conventiouns, sail ceasse, the stafFe of beautie is broken in thee, O
thou afflicted Kirk of Scotland : thy ornament is takin from thee,
and, under colour, thou may be spoiled haistilie of the libertie to
conveene for hearing the word of truthe. If the jurisdictiouns
that remaine be devolved into the hands of bishops, (the deadlie
enemeis of the most sincere preachers :) if they sail receave pre-
sentatiouns, give collatiouns, admitt, depose ministers, reforme
colledges, and use their tyrannous impyre as they list, above their
brethrein, what place sail be to good men ? Hastilie plagued sail
yee be with hyrelings and corrupt teachers, which is of God's jus-
tice, seeing ye esteemed before lightlie of the messengers of the
living God. If God bind from the heavens, by the mouth of the
rainistrie, in whose hands the keyes of binding and loosing are
placed, and the parliament loose the bonds at their appetite, and
80 plucke unto themselves the power of binding and loosing out of
the hands of God, and overpasse Uzziah in usurping the office of the
preests, oh, what confusion sail be there ; and what plagues hang
above the heads of these who spoile God of his glorie, and so
highlie and proudlie preasse in his place ! If all that speeke
against the crooked course of men, and deepe draughts and coun-
sells of the devill, be tratours to men, all the ministers that will not
be tratours to God must become haistilie guiltie of treasoun and
100 calderwood's historie 1584.
lese nicajestie to man. O yee of our flocke, who hath bewitched
you, that yee sould call the deepe counsells of Satan profitable
and necessarie lawes of the countrie ! What blindncsse hath
overtaken you, that ye see not how they bereave you of the crownc
and glorie of Edinburgh ? that is to say, the happie Word of life,
and holie discipline preached and exercised among you ? What
madnesse hath fallin upon you to accuse us for warning of you,
and disclosing our mindes in the feare of God to you ? O, would
to God we had that libertie from the stoole of truthe, the pulpit,
where yee have scene the power of God mightilie working, with
vive voice in the name of our God, and force of God's Spirit, to
speeke unto you ! But since the Lord hath plucked us away from
you, (for some great cans yitt not scene unto you, and, perchance,
not fullie knowne to ourselves,) whose counsells we reverence, and
at whose judgements we have cans to tremble, it sufficeth us to
speeke unto you by penne and ink. Our verie absence prcacheth
unto you ; and if yee saw our teares at times, for your blindness,
they would wound you. Our prayers are for you, notwithstanding
of all unthankfulnesse. It feareth us, that unhappie experience
sail teache you, that these laAves which yee call profitable and
necessarie, are the most cursed laws that ever were made into our
countrie : which is the more to be thought upon, because, that
under the colour of establishing of religioun, the throne of Jesus
Christ, erected before in the middest of Scotland, is by them throw-
ed doun to the ground. Awake out of your deadlie sleepe ; seeke
for remedie in time ; repent yee have giviu your consent heerunto,
least yee be guiltie of the crime, and participant of the plagues
which hang over the heads of these who, wilfullie, have runne this
course against the majestic of the great Judge of the world.
"Now, lett us come to the thrid heed of accusatioun. Yee
say that we, unchallenged and impersucd, have left our flocke,
against promise and ductic, and fled from the countrie, and made
ourselves fugitives, and his Majestic rebels. First, we say, we
were persued by manic kindes of persecutiouns. Persecutioun of
the godlie is, when as athcr they are persued in name or fame, by
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 101
the mocking, railing, or evill speeking of the wicked; ather by
open violence, ather elles by craft and perellous policie. Now, it
is knowne to all the godlie, that the whole ministrie, and we espe-
ciallie, have beene persecuted by false calumneis, slanders, and the
venomous tongues of the wicked, yea, of some of our owne floeke,
these certane yeeres bygane, for opponing ourselves against the
following of the Frenche counsells, the ti'eating of the murtherers
of the sancts of God, the shaking of the conjunctioun with the
godlie professing one religioun with us ; and entering in strait
farailiaritie, conjunctioun, and confederacie with them, who sought
to evert the throne of Christ in )Scotland, and, alace ! have pre-
vailed over muche of late. So, in name and fame, by mocking,
railing, and evill speeking of the wicked, were we persecuted, and
the Word and Christ Jesus wounded, as it were, through our sides ;
wherof we have sindrie times compleaned to our God in pulpit, des-
playing the railings of the ungodlie, as Ezekias did the blasphemous
letter of Senacherib, before the blessed God, in the middest of his
sanctuarie ; and we are assured oft tymes we have left a pricke in
the consciences of suche persecuters of us, by the force of the
"Word, which did pricke them, and will further speeke unto their
tosted mindes, by the hand of God's justice heerafter, if they will
not repent. We take yourselves witnesses what heavie crosse we
did beare, how raanie sore wounds we have receaved, what dolours
we have endured, in the middest of suche persecutiouns. More-
over, when strait charge was given to the magistrats to apprehend
us, to cast us in prisson, keepe us in sure firmance, if we continued
to oppone us to these acts and lawes repugning to the living God ;
was not this a violent persecutioun then begunne, Avhich yitt goeth
forward in thee, O Scotland, and belyke to continue and increasse,
till we be better humbled under the hand of the mightie God?
And last, not onlie we, but also all the true teachers in Scotland,
yea, the whole favourers of the Gospel!, are })ersecuted by craft and
perellous policie, which kinde of persecutioun, the more deepe, and
hid it is, it hath the more perrell and danger therewith conjoyned.
Late acts of parliament are made, discharging all assembleis, cast-
102 calderwood's historie 1 584.
ing doun the spirituall governement, devolving all in the hands of
most cornipt men, and others suche like statutes, tending farther
to the hurt and overthrow of the kirk of God ; unto the which, they
that will not subscribe must tholl all extremitie, against the which
who will oppone, he must be a tratour. Of this it cometh to passe,
that we, and aU good men, were brought in danger of life if we would
not obey ; or perell of conscience and abnegatioun of the truthe, if
we yeelded to suche impietie. Doe ye not see now, how that all
the three kindes of persecutioun fell upon us ? By railing, taunt-
ing, lees, and slanderous specking, our name and fame were in-
vaded : by charge of apprehensioun, our bodeis putt in danger ; by
hid fraud and perellous policie, the verie soule and conscience also
were brought in hazard. And yitt, darre yce say and Avrite, we
past away unpersued ? We could rehearse manie persecutiouns
which we have susteaned by some of yourselves ; but we spaire
you, thristing your amendiment and salvatioun.
" Thus, your ground being false which yee have layed, and that
which yee have sett doun being in the self most true, to witt, tliat
we departed, being by manie meanes cruellie persecuted, we come
to the departing from you, our flocke. And first, we say, our
minde was not to make a perpetuall separatioun or departure fi'ome
you, without returning ; but we did withdraw us for a time, having
most assured warrant so to doe : and if we had left the same un-
done, it appeareth to us we sould have tempted God. And seing
we did finde and feele also, in our persouns, all these persecutiouns
wherof we have spokin, and it was not unknowne unto us what
farther purpose our cruell enemeis had in hand, we thought, as the
truthe is, when God offered midds to declyne the present danger,
it was an evill thing, and a tempting of God, to refuse the midds
offered by God Therefore we tooke purpose to reserve our selves
to a better time. And surelie we had manie reasons serving to
perswade us to this opinioun. First, the studie and desire to pre-
serve themselves is ingrafted by nature in the hearts of all ; the
which thing, when as we doe honcstlie in time and place, the Word
of God doth not condemne, but rather condemneth them who ne-
1584. or THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 103
gleet and contemne the ordinarie midds granted and offerred by
God : as Lott his follie is reproved, who haisted not to depart
from Sodome. Therefore, least we sould appeare to repugne to
nature agreing with the Word of God, we were moved to declyne
the rage of the iingodlie. Nixt, this served to the'glorie of the God
of nature, and God above nature, seing we give obedience to the
voice of Christ, saying, ' If they persecute you in one citie, flee to
another.' And we are assured he hath some farther worke to worke
than presentlie we do see, to his owne glorie, which now is hid in
the brazen mountaines of his secreit providence, and will open in
effect in the owne appointed and determined time. Moreover, in
this departing of ours, that we sould not fall in the hands of cruell
men, we respected the weale of the whole Kirk of Scotland. For,
albeit it was good for us to have suffered all extremiteis, and to be
dissolved from these bodeis of clay, and be with Christ, yet was it
meete for the kirk that we sould reserve ourselves for the confort
therof, as now we travell to doe the samine by writt : heerafter,
we trust to labour by present preaching, when the Lord sail bring
home these whom the furie of the enemie hath scattered. Besides,
that the rulers of our flocke receaved commoditie heerby, to whom
the commandement was givin to apprehend us. For if they had
obeyed, then they sould have wounded their owne conscience, and
offended the majestic of God, whose message we beare : if they
had not obeyed, then incurred they the utter indignation of the
superiour powers, and paine of disobedience ; and so our departure
preserved them from both these extremiteis. Yea, farther, the
Lord had a worke heerinto for the instructioun, admonitioun, and
correctioun of you all. For heerby is the contempt of the Word
in the persons of the wicked punished, the good and evill tried, the
godlie sent to weepe and lament before the throne of God's mercie,
the oft threatned punishment scene by your eyes, the farther judge-
ments of God in this one foretold, foreseene, and represented to
all, to the end and purpose that all might be humbled, before the
fierceness of the wrath e of the righteous God burne like a fire, and
none be able to quench it. Our verie enemeis also, who doe calum-
104 calderwood's historie 1584.
niouslie traduce us and that wlilcli we have done, have been charl-
tablie handled by us, to their profite and connnoditie in this our
doing. For, if in their rage they sould have prissouned us, or dealt
more hardlle with us, according to the oft vowes made by them,
then our evill handling sould have beene farther layed to their
charge by that God whose message we beare, and the judgements
of God hastenned upon their heads.
" It woundeth our heart with sorrow to take an argument from
the behaviour of you, our owne flocke, to prove what occasioun yee
have givin, at the least some of you, to our departing. Alace !
yee have consented by your commissioners to these acts, and yitt
mainteane the same, which are against God, and whereby our
bodeis and consciences were brought in hazard and danger, and
the Kirk of God is like to be overthrowne in Scotland ; your ma-
gistrats refused to be our mainteaners and defenders, in specking
the truthe of God, and opponing ourselves to these cursed acts ;
yea, they would not resolve us whether they would take us or not,
when they receaved the charge to apprehend us, but did answere
in the presence of manic, their charge was strait, and they were not
resolved what to doe. What some of them minded toward us, not
onlie their subscriptioun of that slanderous letter, but also their
earnest travell to make others subscrive with them, doe testifie.
In so farre, then, as ye consented to the making of these lawes,
yea, yitt by your letters mainteane the same, yee refused to defend
our bodeis from the tyrannic of earthlie tyranns. Yee receaved
charges against us ; who can say but yee have ministried just occa-
sioun of departing to us ? Whether now, we pray you, are we or
yee promise- breakers ? Whether we or yee have done against
duetie, the world may see, and the righteous God doth pronounce
sentence on our side. We do not burthein you, our deere flocke,
who sigh and sob for suche iniquitic. We will not wound your
hearts, whom we love as our owne hearts. We trust yitt to confort
you by our presence in Christ Jesus. And, last of all, we may bring
furth for our warrant in our doing the exemples of the proj)]iets,
apostles, martyrs, ancient fathers, the greatest part of the deerest
1584. OF THE KIRK OP SCOTLAND. 105
servants of God, and Christ Jesus himself, who oft times did de-
clyne the rage of the enemie, used good and lawfull niidds for their
safetie, and reserved themselves to the confort of the kirk of God.
Of all this, it followeth by necessarie consequence, our departing
was and is leasome ; and, therefore, we have not thereby ather
broken promise, or forgett our duetie to you, ather made ourselves
rebells to our king and countrie, as yee inferre. We beseeke our
God he lay not this iniquitie to your charge, and enter not in
judgement with you, for this unnaturall and cruell dealing against us.
" The rest of your accusatiouns may be easilie answeered, seeing
that they conteane untruthes knownc to the world, and patent before
the sunne and the raoone. Yee say we have over seldome taught
you obedience to princes ; that we are unquiet spiritts, yea woolves,
and not pastors, now made manifest to our shame. O Lord God
of Israel, who dwelleth betwixt the cherubins, bow doun thyne
eare, and heare these rebookes. Open thyne eyes, and behold the
wounded mindes of us whom thou hath sent, and judge thou us,
and them who wound us, according to thy righteousnesse. Doe
yee say outwardlie by word, we have over seldome taught unto
you obedience to princes ? yee are convicted inwardlie in conscience
of the contraire. Do yee subscrive that we are unquiett spirits ?
the world knoweth, and ye have scene by experience, that we have
loved quietnesse and tranquilitie, and procvu'ed tlie same oft times
among you, and in the countrie, in the middest of great commo-
tiouns and troubles. Are we become woolves unto you, who have
resisted woolves, and by the force of the Word obteaned victorie
over them ? Albeit we had offended you, as we trust we have not
done in anie thing, thinke ye it your duetie thus to have dealt
with us, who so inteerlie loved you? Is this the recompence of
our labours and watching, day and night, over your soules ? But
we must beare this in patience, as a part of the crosse which it
hath pleased the mercifull hand of God to lay upon us.
" Last of all, for conclusion, yee write, and by the hands of some
of you it is subscrived, that yee will no more esteem e us to be
your pastors, nor yourselves to be our flocke. A strange sentence,
106 calderwood's historie 1 584
pronounced without anie advice of the kirk, before anie conviction
of the crime, and before that wc be heard, ather by word or by
writt, to speeke unto our owne cans ! But yee cannot make the
calling of God null and of no effect, no more than yee can plucke
Christ Jesus from his throne. Be it so, we are no more pastors
unto you ; we are glade to have our conscience in that part unbur-
thened. Yitt pastors are we, and choose rather to follow furth
that vocatioun and calling, through contempt, povertie, needinesse,
anguishe, and misereis whatsomever, then to injoy the pleasures of
the world, and possesse the throns of all the princes of the earth, if
they sould be offered and givin unto us. Have yee left us ? our good
God will not forsake us. Do yee so lightlie esteeme of us? the
Lord who loveth us will honour us. Do ye cast us altogether out of
memorie ? we are in the memoriall booke of our gracious Fathei',
beino; rino-s on his fingers, and havins; our names ens-rafted on the
palmes of his owne hands. We are assured the Lord sail make
our labours redound to his glorie, and profite of the kirk, wherever
he cast us.
" And now, we convert ourselves to you, the rest of our flocke,
whose hands are not defiled with this iniquitie, and to all these that
feare God, and love the Lord Jesus Christ. Confort yourselves
in the Lord. Hold fast the eternall truthe of God which yee have
heard. Cursed be they, who ever they be, that would spoile you
of your crowne. Sigh and sobbe before your God for your sinnes,
and the sinnes of that natioun : pray unto God he may remove the
present plagues, and cast the rods whereby he hath smittin you
into the fire. When yee and we are sufficiently humbled, and the
measure of the iniquitie of your and our enemeis accomplished,
then looke for helpe and deliverance from above. Remember that,
in desperate times, God before hath succoured us ; and when no
helpe was found in men, he arose like a mightie gyant, and brake
the homes of bloodie beasts, pushing and gorring through the yides
of the sancts of God. If yee thinke our returning may doe good,
and serve to God's glorie and your confort, we refuse not to putt
our lives in your liands, and teache among you, in despite of all
1 584. OF THE KIKK OF SCOTLAND. 107
invy. We are yitt strong eneugli for the enemie. The Lord give
us zeale and boldnesse in this cans, and strike a terror in the hearts
of the adversareis of his glorie, that they may knowe they are but
men. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you, for now
and ever more. Amen,"
a
The Spirit of the Lord Jesus assist you and us in thir mi-
serable dayes, in ichich Satan, by his instruments, direct-
lie and indirectlie, goeth about to the overthrowing of that
everlasting Evangell which xoe have so long, in the mer-
cie of our God, heard and professed, to the great glorie of
his name, and to the eternall confort and salvation of the
faithfull.
" Most deariie beloved pastors in the Lord Jesus, the causes
moving us at this present to write are, that having heard and re-
ceaved your confortable letter directed to the kirk and counsell,
which, as it was no small joy and confort to the faithfull, so, on the
other part, it hath raised and enraged others of the contrarie spirit
to make an answere most blasphemous to your most upright and
godlie meaning, Avrittin therin ; and that in the name of the pro-
veist, bailiffes, counsell, and your late flocke ; by whose dytement
the Lord knoweth : Wherefore, we, hearing, reading, and weigh-
ing the whole heeds therin, after earnest incalling upon the name
of God, in thir dayes of persecutioun, have, according to the mea-
sure of his Spirit granted to us, answered to the whole heeds con-
teaned in that blasphemous letter sentto you, not by your flocke,
but by them who, in calme, appeared to be of us, but now, in time
of persecutioun, with Demas, have embraced this present world ;
and that not of a few number. But yitt yee have wherin greatlie
to be conforted, that the doctrine taught by you, as instruments of
God, hath left the owne fruict, both in disclosing of hypocrits and
false brethrein, in time of rest and quietnesse ; as also in raising the
hearts of the godlie, not onlie of your owne flocke, but of the most
\yA\-i of the ministrie and professors within this realme.
108 calderwood's historie 1584.
" This muche for the preface. Now, to answcrc to evcrie heed
in that horrible letter, as the Lord will assist us by his Spirit.
First, acknowledging our great unthankfulnesse ; that we have not
so charitablie and reverentlie used you, our faithfull pastors, as it
becom us of duetic ; in not giving obedience to that great and eter-
nall Word of God so long taught among us, for the contempt wher-
of, and manic other greevous sinnes, the Lord bcginneth to threatten
us with the famine and hunger therof ; which is the last and most
fearfull plague that God, in his justice, hath ever powred furth
upon anie people, natioun, or citie, since the beginning, as in the
excmple of the Jewes, and of the whole kirks that Paul planted,
this day may appear. The Lord in mercie deliver us of that plague
which our sinnes most justlie have deserved. However it may
please Him to exercise us with all other punishments therefor, we
confesse from our hearts that yee have walked uprightlie, accord-
ing to your calling, in doctrine, life, and conversatioun ; to the
great glorle of Him who elected you to that high honour, and to
the confort of the faithfull, not onlle when yee were present, but
muche more now ; esteeming you worthle followers of your Master,
Jesus Christ, who abode not the furie of the Jewish people, muche
more tlian of princes, but gave place to their rage, as the exemple
of the prophets and apostles may evidentlle declare.
" As yee have been faithfull in your calling, so have yee, in ma-
nifold prayers, both secreit and publict, made for preservatioun of
the king's Majestie's person both in soulc and bodie, and continu-
ance of his Highness' authoritie : also, with all reverence yee have
esteemed of his Majestie's lawes and acts of parliament, which di-
rectlle have not repugned to the Word of God, and discipline tlier-
in conteaned, as the sindrie acts of parliament since his Majestie's
coronatioun will ratifie ; but that which is more, the Confessioun of
Faith subscrived by his Majestie and houshold, Avith a charge to
the ministers within their diocie, under a penaltie, that the whole
people sould subscrive the same, (which was putt in practise,) and
the contravccners to Incurre punishment, according to the lawes,
which was godlle, and answering to his Word. But thir late acts,
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 100
disagreeing to the manifest Word of God, and to the premisses
abovewrittin, yee have, like most diligent watchemen, opponed
yourselves, in the stooles of veritie, (which now, alas ! by some Ba-
laameis have becne fearfuUie polluted ;) using the ordinar meane,
that in your brethrein and you lay, as the protcstatiouns sent to
the king's Majestic and counsell, together with acts tane at the
Mercat Croce, in time of publicatioun, will testifie. So have yee
approved all good and godlie acts therin, as the preaching of the
Word and ministratioun of the Sacraments. But the sinewes of
the AYord and Sacraments (which is the Avhole discipline of the
kirk, which, in the mercie of God, hath continued the space of
twentie-five yeeres or therby) is now AvhoUie cast doAvn in three
dayes. The Lord grant the authors repentance, or elles his sud-
dane plagues from the heavens. As also, the proclamatioun made
upon the 19th of Junie, discharging the ministers' stipends ; which
is, to command the oxe to trode furth the corne, and after he hath
laboured, to mussel his mouth. Howsoever men pretend wisdome
and learning, yet, wanting the warrant of the Word of God, they
eannot establishe the law and policie of the kiik of God therin
conteaned. As yee have truelie and sincerelie opened the meaning
of the whole parts of Scripture, so, that part of Scripture writtin in
the 13th chapter of the Epistle to the Romans, with other places
agreeing therunto, have yee most diligentlie exhorted us, according
to the meaning of the Spirit of God, to follow, as the evident ex-
emple therof appearcth in your owne persons. But some who
heard that Word have receaved poysoun in place of honie ; Avhome
Ave remitt to Him Avho sail judge betwixt you and them one day.
" As to your godlie and honest departure from your flocke un-
challenged or persued, we affirme the reasouns and causes sent to
the kirk and counsell to be most nccessar. For if yee had remained,
and taught as the Lord commanded you, yee sould not onlie have
brought your owne persons in danger, but also brought in hazard
the godlie and zealous of your congregatioun, if yee had spokin
against these godlesse acts of parliament ; as that writting sent to
110 caldekwood's historie 1584.
the proveist, to take and apprehend suche as either priville or pub-
lictlie sould speeke against them, doeth testifie. And so, yee sould
have fallin in the liands of God's encmeis and yours, as some of
your brethrein are luiking for farther, if the Lord putt not to his
owne hand. If this be not persecutioun, lett all who have the true
feare of God jud']^e.
" Sore do we lament that we have so long heard that confortable
doctrine, by the Spirit of God mo\dng you to teache us, but, alace !
so little fruict therafier following ; for now, in place of the free li-
bertic of the preaching and applicatioun of the bread of life, have
entered some cruell and devouring woolves, not having their calling
of God, nor of the flocke, who have not orderlie come in at the right
doore, but have leaped over the dyke. As the doctrine taught by
them, to the great greefe of the faithfull, hath beene in your place
most fearfullie abused ; and as we acknowledge them to be no pas-
tors to us, so, on the other part, we do, and sail, by the assistance
of God's Spirit, affirme and approve your conjunctioun and ours,
lawfuUie called by God, as also orderlie by your whole flocke ap-
proved ; from Avhich copidatioun, all the enemeis of God sail not be
able to separat us. So, we esteeme you, and no others, (where ever
it pleaseth God yee are,) to be our most faithfull and true pastours,
and we, by God's grace, sail remaine your faithfull and obedient
flocke, in heart and minde, to the end,"
MR TATRIK GALLOWAY, MINISTER AT PERTH, HIS APOLOGIE.
" Understanding myself to have been unjustlie detracted and ca-
lumniated by malicious persons, and that some in their writtings,
als Weill as in speeches, have not spaired to traduce me, and to
charge me with diverse odious misreports, against the truthe and
their owne conscience, I thought meete to notifie and make
knowne my innocencie in that behalfe, for better resolutioun of the
godlie, and stopping of the mouths of wicked and godlesse per-
souns, enemeis to the truthe, and to the preachers and professors
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. Ill
therof; and to that effect have, in this short treatise, declared the
veritie of all things that ever, at anie time, touched that mater
wherupon these misreports did proceed.
" First, in the yeere of God 1582, in the moneth of Junie, the
king's Majestic came to the toun of Perth, wherin I was by ap-
pointment of the Generall Assemblie, at the earnest sute and de-
sire of the magistrats and whole inhabitants of that toun, esta-
blished pastor and minister ; and in his Grace's corapanie were di-
verse noble men and counsellers, and among others, the umquhile
Duke of Lennox, Avho then had the cheefe steir and credite in
court, preferred to all others in dignitie, authoritie, and rule of the
effeires of the realme ; who professed not onlie the religion with us,
but subscrived wuth his hand the articles of faith, and the publict
forme sett doun in parliament, for obedience to the Word, Sacra-
ments, and ecclesiasticall discipline, and communicat at the Table
of the Lord diverse times, for better attestatioun of his zeale and
affectioun to the truthe professed and established in the countrie.
" At the time forsaid, he had in his companie Mr K. Montgomerie,
who having left his flocke and congregatioun of Stirline destituted
of a pastor, without advice of the kirk, or of his owne flocke, did
accept the bishoprick of Glasgow ; the title wherof the said duke
had procured to him, that he, having the name of bishop, and
eight hundreth merks money for his living and sustentatioun, the
whole rents, and other duteis of the said benefice, might come to
the duke's utilitie and behove. Which being signified to the
brethrein of the ministrie, he was, according to the Word of God
and rule of charitie, admonished to desist from that office of a
bishop, which was not lawfull to him to accept, becaus, by the ap-
pointment of the Generall Assemblie, he was placed minister to
another congregatioun ; as als, that the order and degrees of
bishops, as then they were used, were by publict and unanime
consent of the Generall Assemblie of the whole ministrie, commis-
sioners of the king's Majestic, shirefdoms, and burrowes within the
realme, appointed to have no place nor authoritie, but to expire
and ceasse. To the which the said Mr R. Montgomerie himself
112 calderwood's historie 1584-
had not onlic consented and subscrivcd, but in his sermons had
allowed and approved the same act; and after his admonitioun
had solcmnlie promised, in presence of the whole Assemblie, never
to accept anie suche charge or cure as to be a bishop ; and did
protest that he repented, and was from his heart sorle, that he had
done against his knowledge and conscience alreadie in consenting
to the duke's desire in that mater, and, therefore, that he would
obey the censure and will of the rest of the ministrie in that point.
Quherethrough I, at his owne desire, did sute at their hands to
bring him to their favour ; and my intercession availed so Avith
them, that he was accepted and admitted to his repentance.
" But, notwithstanding of all these promises made to the Assem-
blie, and the scverall oaths and protestations made to myself, he
maketh defectioun immediatlie ; and against his conscience, know-
ledge, and faith, accepteth the same, and is, after the forme directed
by the duke, inaugurated his bishop ; for which defectioun, and
obstinat persisting in his sinne, without signe or will to amend,
preaching erroneous doctrine, and Avilfullie refusing to submitt him-
self to the censure of ecclesiasticall discipline, he was adjudged and
ordeaned, by decreit and act of the Gcnerall Assemblie, to be ex-
communicated. Which sentence was, after the due order and
forme prescrived in the Booke of Discipline, pronounced against
him, and he accursed, excommunicated, and cutt off from the
societie of the kirk of God, and of the faithfull membei's of the
same. Which being signified to the king's Highness, and Lords
of his Secreit Counscll, was contemned by the duke ; and the said
excommunicated bisliop not onlie interteanncd in his companie and
hous, and placed nixt himself at his table, but, in contempt and de-
spite of the religion, and professors therof, brought in to the king's
hous, to his hall and chamber, where his Majestic did eatc, and to
his privic chamber, to quiett conference. Which when I had, ac-
cording to the Word of God, charitablie desired to be I'cformed, it
was promised to be amended, and that he sould not be admitted to
have accesse to court, nor to his Highness' presence, nor receaved
in his hous. But finding that promise was not keeped, and that
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 113
the duke reteaned him still In his companie and in court, I spake
against the same diverse times in pulpit. Perceaving no signe nor
appearance of aniendement, I plainlie reproved the same, as my
duetie was. Otherwise, I could not have discharged my calling
before God, nor duetie to his Majestic, nor to the auditor present,
to have suffered so notorious an abuse and enormitie unreproved.
Wherat the duke stormed in suche sort, that I was called and
charged before the Secreit Counsell ; and having compeei'ed, was,
after reasoning and conference according to the Word of God, di-
missed, and no fault imputed or found to me, and promise made
that that abuse sould be reformed.
"But the duke, not contented that I was thus lett depart without
trouble, and insisting obstinatlie in his proceedings, thinking what-
ever he did sould be comported with, did interteane his bishop,
and favourablle did use him, purchassing letters to cans him be
obeyed of his benefice, and mainteaning him in bis new usurped
dignitie. When I did speeke against the same, he did plainlie
minasse me in pulpit, and called me pultron, villane, mischant,
with manic other injurious words, and threatened to thrust me
through with a rapper, till his Majestic himself was compelled to lay
his hand on his mouth and stay his furie and malicious language,
heard of all that stood in his Highnesse' seate, and uttered publict-
lie before the people. And after the sermon was ended, at his
passing out at the kirk doore, in plaine audience, laying his hand
on his sword, [he] boasted to have my life, and used diverse con-
tumelious and reprochefull words of malice and despite ; and in no
wise could be mitigated nor asswaged, except I were discharged of
preaching in my owne congregatioun during the king's remaining
there ; which he obteaned, exped and past by some of his favourers
in the cabinet counsell, and so caused command me not to preache
anie more so long as the king taried at Perth ; which charge was
not past nor knowne by the Lords of Secreit Counsell, as I tryed
severallie by themselves. And for farther declaratioun of his
malice and hatred against me, he caused pen and read an infamous
libell in the kirk immediatlie after the sermoun, for better utter-
VOL. IV. H
114 caluerwood's iiistouie 1584.
ing of his anger and wrathe, as the same yitt extant proporteth.
He perswaded his Majestic likewise to conceave evill opinioun of
me, and to vow that he sould never heare me preache thcrafter ;
and yitt I obeyed the charge, and past to Kynnowle, and preached.
" Heerafter, in the same moneth, his Majestic past to the Hie-
land hunts in Atholl, and the duke past to Dalkeith to prepare for
his chamberlan aire in Edinburgh, and his justice air in Glasgow,
at the which ellcvin of the ministers there sould have been putt to
death ; and his Majestic, in the end of the moneth of August, did
returne to Ruthven ; where, upon the 23d day therof, the Erie
of Marr with his freinds, the Erie of Gowrie, and some others of
the nobilitie, did place themselves about his Majestic, and caused
apprehend the Erie of Arran, who was come thither to have con-
voyed his Majestic to Kinneill, wherin there sould diverse of the
nobilitie have been apprehended that favoured the religioun, and
the king's weelefarc and estate. But this being prevented, as at
lenth is sett out in the Apologie for the said nobleman, the king's
Majestic came again to Perth ; and there, in my sermon, I desired
his Plighness to consider the dano-erous estate wherin he was of
before, and that he ought to praise God that he was delivered and
freed of such pernicious persons as had been about his Majestic
this while bypast, who sought nothing but the overthrow and sub-
versioun of his estat and religioun, Avith the trouble of the com-
mounweale. I likewise exhorted the noblemen there present to pro-
secute that good and godlie cans with constancie, zealc, and feare
of God, and to studie to the advancement of God's glorie, Avecle-
fare of the king's Majestic, and quietnesse of the countric ; how-
beit his Highnessc was not weill pleased with this forme of doc-
trine at that time. Afterward I was sent for to Stirline, where,
in my sermons likewise, I gave the like admonitions and exhorta-
tions, and somewhat tuiched the imperfections of these who had
misgoverned the estat in time bypast, wherethrough his Majestic
did mislykc more of me nor of before. After this, his Majestic
being come to Halyrudhous, in my sermon preached in the Abbey
kirk, I did use the like exhortations, with earnest desire to his
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 115
f lighnesse and the nobllitie to be carefull for the advancement of
God's glorle, and maintenance of vertue, with punishing of vice ;
and I did speeke against some abuses and enormities that had
raigned in court, which I wished now to be amended. But that
did miscontent his Majestic greatlie, being moved thereto by some
evill persons in his companie who suspected me to have knowne of
the Road of Rutliven, becaus I was minister of Perth, wherof the
Earle of Gowrie was Proveist.
" The Erie of Arran, after his apprehension, being putt in the
place of Ruthven, to remaine, where he was honorablie and cour-
teouslie intreated, at diverse times entered in conference with me,
and opened to me the unhappie designes and comploits intended,
and purposed to have been practised by the Duke of Lennox for
wracke of the religioun, and of diverse noblemen and ministers,
and alteratioun of the present estate and governement of the realme.
Which at that time, with manie attestatiouns and solemne oaths,
he affirmed to me he mislyked in his heart, as repugnant to God's
true Word, and to all humane societie. And becaus he knew
that through his behaviour by past he had made himself to be
thought of a corrupt life, and suspect religioun, he travelled with
me, and studied to perswade me, to deale publictlie and plainlie
with the kiik in his favour, to move them to conceave g.)od opi-
nioun of him, and to like of his conversioun and zeale to the truthe ;
and to remove anie evill lyking conceaved of him before, whicli he
sould, in time comming, amend, and be a most zealous favourer
and advancer of God's glorie, and truthe professed. But I being
moved by manie good reasons not to give hastie and facile credite
thereto, thought it a mater hazardous to deale in, exce[)t I had
seene better proofe nor his naiked words, which oft times, in times
bygane, had been accompanied with few good effects. And, there-
fore, he perceaving my slownesse to promise that which he desired,
he conceaveth against me an inward malice and hatred, which then
he did craftilie dissanble, but hath sensyne most evidentlie uttered,
as his proceedings against me beare record.
"In the moneth of Julie, after the alterati )n made at St An-
116 calderwood's nrsTORiK 1584.
drewes, by removing the Erles of Marr, Angus, Bothwell, and
others weill-affected to the religioun, and of liis Mtijestie's com-
panie ; and others who favoured Arran's proceedings, and con-
sented to an unquietnesse and trouble of the rehgioun out countrie,
being cheefe courteours, the king's Majestie directeth his missive
letters to a great number of the brethrein of the ministrie to con»e
to St Aiidrewes ; and a letter was sent to me, among the rest, to
that same effect. After the recept wherof, another letter was sent
to me to come thither eight dayes before the day appointed to the
rest ; and according to the will therof, I obeyed. And being come
thither, the colonell. Sir Robert Melvill, and the Laird of Segy,
entered in conference, if they might have entised, or anie Avise
moved me to disallow the act of the Generall Assemblie made
anent the subscriving of generall bands, for maintenance of the
king's weilfare, religion, and quietnesse of the countrie, wherin the
whole conventioun had found that the noblemen had done good
service to God, the king, and realme, that had removed evill coun-
sellers from his Majestie, and had prevented the great evills that
otherwise had fallin out, if their pernicious intentions had not been
stayed, as the said acts beare. But they could not move nor in-
duce me in anie sort to yeeld to that their purpose. Therefore,
the Erie of Arran therafter, upon a night, in his owne privie cham-
ber, entered in conference with me a long space to the same effect.
But finding me constantlie to abide at the said act, and to disasscnt
from the rest of my brethrein in no sort, he not onlie conceaveth
malicious hatred at me, but moveth his Majestie to alter his favour
and countenance farre against me, insomuche, that becaus I would
not ap])laudc to the appetites of these pestilent counsellers, I was
altogether mislyked, and out of favour of the court ; partlie, be-
caus the time forsaid the yeere preceding I had reproved the abuses
and enormiteis croppin in the court, and had spokin against the
vices and imperfections of these who bare cheefe rule, and partlie
becaus I would not, against my conscience, agree to the present
proceedings, which tended to the wracke of the religion, corrupt-
ing of his Majestie's tender yeeres, and affable eare and inclina-
1584. OF THE KIKK OF SCOTLAND. 117
tioim, and to the overthrow and mine of all good and godlie noble-
men, and others, that sought the advancement of God's glorie,
weelefare of the king, and quietnesse of the commoun wealthe,
wherethrough I was altogether out of credit, and was brought in
malgrace of the courteours.
" The king's Majestic having retired himself from Fife to Stir-
line, and therefra to Edinburgh, to make his residence all that
winter, did assemble a conventioun of the estats, wherin the alter-
ation at Ruthven was found treasoun, and suche as were therat
appointed to take remissions for the same, as a crime of lese-majes-
tie and haynous conspiracie ; which of before was found, in a more
ample conventioun, good and necessar service for the weelefare of
his Highness' owne estate, the religion and countrie. And by this
new act all men were brought in an unsuretie and despaire of their
estate ; and all promises in effect were brokin that of before were
made to the nobilitie and the ministrie. The Erie of Gowrie,
resident at Perth, accesse to court being denyed to him, becaus
his lordship resorted dailie to my sermons, Arran had some of his
flatterers and pyckthanks present there to note my teaching and
his lordship's behaviour, who not onlie sent daylie advertisements
to court, falselie and calumniouslie against the truthe and their
OAvne conscience, concerning his lordship, but did maliciouslie lee
of myself, and invented false reports which I never spake nor men-
tiouned ; that I sould have exhorted his lordship and the people
to make insurrectioun against his Majestic, and that I affirmed
they might justlie take armour upon them ; and his Hienesse
had declyned from the truthe, and that I never prayed for his
Majestic at my sermons ; although in presence of God they did
manifestlie lee of me, and spake against the truthe and their owne
knowledge. Yitt thir misreports being thus brought to his High-
ness' eare, did daylie move his mislyking to increasse against me,
becaus the reporters were not knowne but suspected by me, and
unavowed, so that I could not have the moyen to bring my inno-
cencie to triall. And, therefore, in the moneth of December, when
his Majestic directed the Erie of Rothesse, the Lairds of Caprin-
118 calderwood's TiiSToniE 1584.
ton, CoUutliie, ami Mungo Grahame, to Perth, in coninilssioiin to
the Erie of Gowrie, to command him, in his IMajestie's name, to
take a remissioun for that alteratioun at Ruthven, and to condemne
that fact as treasoun, the saids commissioners had a speciall direc-
tioun to enter with myself concerning the foresaids reports, as they
did ; to whome I declared my innocencie in that mater, and the
malice of these leers who had thus surmised against me, and durst
not avow the same. They had directioun to try the same by the
Erie of Gowrie, who not onlie assured him of the contrarie, but by
his letter, and by some gentlemen of good credit sent to his High-
nesse, resolved him that there was no suehe thing true, and preass-
ed to have had that mater tryed, but it could not be had. Yitt
Arran persisting in his malice, and having no way, but by misre-
ports and lees, to make me odious to the king, he moveth his cap-
tors still secreitlie to insist in their former lees and advertise-
ments ; and he reporteth them as truthe unto his Highnesse, not
onlie for my harme, but to accumulat hatred and malgrace to the
said Erie of Gowi'ie, then absent from court. So that his Majestie
did accompt these reports true, and was minded to have caused
charge me to compeere before the Secreit Counsell for the same.
But Arran knowing ray innocencie, and that the triell therof would
turne to his ownc shame, stayed that, and thought, in the moneth
of Marche therafter, when I come to Edinburgh for some of my
owne particular affaires, to have caused apprehend and imprisson
me without triell, was not I, being advertised therof by freinds,
retired myself home, and so eshewed that present inconvenient.
" Thus his Majestie having beene moved by the Erie of Arran,
and suche others his adlierents as were in his Majestie's companie, to
take up a course repugnant to that which, by act of conventioun
of the estats, in the moneth of October, anno 1582, was estab-
lished, and found good sei'vice, and by the act of the Generall As-
semblic was, on the same maner, allowed and approved. Becaus
noblemen, and manie others who ftivoured the religioun, were there-
through brought in an misuretie, and Impietie and daylie vice be-
iranne to abound in the court and realme ; as the text ministred
1584. OF THE KIHK OF SCOTLAND. 119
occasioiin, some ministers diJ reprove the enormiteis that raigned ;
and tlierefore were not onlie mislyked of and hated, but captors
were privihe appointed in everie notable congregatioun, to advert
what was preached and taught toward the abuses and misgo-
vernement of the countrie. And some of our brethrein were
commanded silence, others were banished from their flockes, and
some were charged before the Secreit Counsell ; and among others,
that notable instrument in the kirk of God, (whose learning and
qualiteis are manifestlie approved and knowne,) Mr Andrew Mel-
vill, was commanded to prissoun, to the Blacknesse, frome which
he sould have been brought to his death. Wherof, he being
secreitlie advertised, according to the rule prescrived by our Mais-
ter, Christ, for safetie of his life, he w^as forced to eshew their
hands, and flee out of the countrie. Wherat Arran and his asso-
ciats conceaved suche rage and passionate wrathe, that they pro-
cured an act to be made, that therafter there sould never a mini-
ster be charged, by letters, to compeere before the Secreit Coun-
sell, but sould be apprehended, and hands layed on them, to be
brought and presented to justice for their doctrine, or anie other
mater that pleased the court to lay to their charge.
" There was beside the publict and manifest contempt of the
Word of God, and the preachers and professors therof, a manifest
and daylie testimonie of atheisme, and evill, ungodlie, and licen-
tious life, givin by them that had the rule in court : for not onlie
were suche in credit, and brought in favour, that had beene ene-
meis to the king's authoritie, and were cheefe favourers of the Pa-
pisticall and bloodie Councill of Trent ; but avowed Papists, and
suche as for Papistrie had beene and remained still excommuni-
cated and accursed, were brought into his Majestie's companie,
privie chamber, and were in favour and good estimation, and had
swey and steir in maters of estate, to the great greefe and grudge
of tlie ministrie, and all other godUe and zealous servants of G od.
" The great hazard of the king's Majestie's person, estat, and
religioun, and of the commoun weale being thus understand, fore-
seene, and cleerelie perceaved by diverse noblemen, the preachers
120 calderwood's histokik 15b4.
aud professors of the truthe, to their great greefe and regrait there
appeared daylle occasiouns of greater sorrow to all faithfull hearts.
For that apostat, Mr Patrik Constean, Bishop of St Andrewes,
being in England arabassader, by all possible diligence studied to in-
vent and practise trouble and schisme to be brought in into the kirk
of God, and was diligent to bring to passe suche instructiouns as
he receaved from Arran and other godless courteours ; as the effect
sensyne hath sufficientlie testified. Which, becaus it is more nor
notorious to all the world, for brevitie I omitt. The Erie of GoAvrie,
likewise, in the moneth of Aprile, a pearle and patron of godUnesse,
policie, learning, and all notable vertues, was treasonablie, by the
craft of the Erles of Arran, Montrose, Crawfurd, and Colonel
Stuart, sm'prised and apprehended in Dundie, and brought to Edin-
burgh, to be putt to death upon simulat causes, to the great sorrow
and lamentable greefe of all good men, and to the evident perrell
of the religioun. Some of the nobilitie, upon the 18th of the said
moneth, assembled in Stirllne, for redresse of the saids enor-
miteis, and safetie of his Hienesse' person, religioun, and countrie,
from the imminent evills that hang over their heads ; and by their
proclamations made publict attestation of that their intentioun, as
most godlie, necessar, and profitable for the estate and realme.
"The Erie of Gowrie being tane, and the enemeis of God and
his truthe thus triumphing, and ruling all things at their pleasure,
and abusing his Majestie's eare and flexible inclinatioun, I, know-
ing their devilish purposes and intentiouns, which daylie more and
more uttered the self, prayed to God, in my secreet meditatioim,
for redresse heerof ; and upon Sunday, the 19th of jVprile follow-
ing, in my sermon, my ordinar text, wherin, becaus the Word
ministred apt occasioun thereto, I did open to my flocke what perrell
the religioun and estate of the truthe Avas in, and proved by diverse
arguments that they meant nothing but subversioun and wracke of
the same.
"In the moneth of Aprile there was an assemblie of the mini-
strie appointed to be in Sanct AndrcAves, for some eflTaires of the
ecclesiasticall politic, to wliich diverse of the best learned and most
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 121
qualified of that professioun being conveened, 1 come thither like-
wise. Where, looking that in quietnesse suche things sould have
been handled and treatted, as served for advancement of God's
glorie, Mr Johne Grahame, Justice-Depute, was directed from
court, Weill stuffed and replenished with Arran's informations ; and
not onlie uttered in presence of the brethrein there conveened,
minassing language and words of reproache against us all, with a
plain discharge of our Assemblie, and that he would not onlie be
moderator but commander therein, but, in particular, shew me what
evill opinioun and mislyking was had of me in speciall ; and having
privilie a commissioun to apprehend Mr James Lowsone, Mr David
Lindsey, Mr Andrew Hay * * * * ^j^^j ^^y gg||-^
Becaus of Mr Andrew Hay's absence, (whom he looked for to have
resorted there that night,) he deferreth the executioun of his in-
tentioun that night, that he might have trapped us altogether.
But I being certified and warned therof, withdrew that same night
out of Sanct Andrewes, and came to Perth, to my ownc flocke,
upon Saturday, the 25th of Aprile, and preached upon Sunday the
26th therof, before noone and after noone, opening, according to
the Word of God, my minde, and discharging my conscience to
my auditor ; willing them to convert rightlie to God, and with all
humilitie to pray for avoiding the perells and plagues that hang on
that countrie, and everie part therof. But I Avas immediatlie ther-
after made foreseene, that there was another charge directed to
the Bidliffes of Perth, and commissioun sent to apprehend me.
Wherof being advertised, I past to Dundie, to visite some freinds,
and to eshew that surprise that was devised against me. And
when I had not remained two days there, another commissioun
was sent to the magistrats there, to apprehend me in like maner :
for eshewing whereof, I past to a freind's hous, sixteene myles dis-
tant therefra, to Robert Guthrie of Lownan's dwelling, where I
had not abode two or three days, when the fourth commissioun was
sent to the Shereff of the shire, the Maister of Grey, elder, to a])-
prehend me ; which he would not refuse, but sent eighteen hors
thither for that effect. But God, who never Icaveth his owne in
122 calderwood's iiistokie 1584.
tlic'ir distresse, was carefull for me, so that 1 was certified therof.
And being thus unnatiirallie, and against order of law, hunted up
and doun, [I] was at last forced to care for my owne safetie and
releefe, and by God's providence escaped their bloodie and cruell
hands. Immediatlie after my departing out of Sanct Johnstoun,
my wife remaining there desolat and solitare, my hous was most
narrowlie sought for me, my servants examined with rigorous
words, and threatned, to tell where 1 was ; and the beds of my
hous stogged' with swords, to have bereft my life, if I had not thus
escaped. Therafter they putt so extremelie at my wife, that she
was compelled to buy my escheate from their treasurer, and to de-
burse more money therefore, (onlie for safetie of my books,) nor
the comraoun custome of suche merchandise was wont to be valued
at, albeit I had beene ten tymes richer nor I was.
" Besides this rude and barbarous dealing, there was all kinde
of rigour used against Kobert Guthrie of Lownan, a gentleman of
good calling, who feareth God with his heart; to whose hous I
came, and remained two or three dayes. I nather being charged
publictlie nor privatlie, nor putt to the home ; and yitt, against the
law of God, of nature, and the commoun law of the countrie, he
was therefore called to their law, putt out of his hous, and the
Maister of Gray, younger, caused his brother to take his escheate.
So that, to rid himself out of that trouble, he behoved to pay foure
hundred merks, beside his trouble and sickeness, and spoile of his
hous."
THE ELDERS AND DEACONS OF EDINBURGH URGED TO SUBSCRTVE
THE LETTER.
When the greatest part of the citicens refused to subscrive the
letter formed for answere to their ministers, some of the elders and
deacons, to the number of ellevin, were charged to compeere at
Falkland, the 28th of June. They were accused of treason, for
receaving, reading, and concealing the letter, which the ministers
' Pierced, stabbed
1584. OF THE KIIIK OF SCOTLAND. 123
sent to the counsell and sessioun of Edinburgh, before he [the khig]
and his counsell had seene the same. Some denyed that they had
seene it. Johne Blekburne being demanded, confessed he had
seene it. Plis Majestic asked, why he did not subscrive the letter?
He answered, Becaus it was against the Word of God and his con-
science. The king turned him in his chaire, and laughing, said,
" \V^e have gottin a scripturar : wherin is it against the Word of
God ?" " Yes, Sir," said the other, " almost in all the heeds ; but
speciallie concerning the doctrine. It is said in the letter, that
they seldome exhorted us to follow the meaning of the loth chap-
ter of the Epistle to the Romans ; for both Mv James and Mr
Walter taught upon that, or some suche like place, according to the
meaning of the Spirit of God." " I say not, " said the king, " that
they taught never, but seldome, upon that subject." " Als oft,"
said the other, " as they had occasioun." Then was he demanded
by the king, What he thought of the causes moving the ministers
to flee out of the countrie? He answered, He heard them but once
read before the sessioun, and thought them reasonable. Then said
Arran, They sould tak order with him : the sincAves of his craig
yuiked : suche a proud knave come never before the king and
counsell. " I see he would be away," &c. The king again de-
mandeth, what he thought of the causes of their flight. He an-
swered, He thought Weill : but becaus he heard them but once read,
in presence of the sessioun, he desired the authentick copie of the
letter, that he might conferre it with the Booke of God, and he
sould give suche answere as the Lord sould furnish him. The
king ryseth, and goeth quicklie to the foote of the boord, and tooke
the penne, inkehorne, and paper frome the clerk, and gave him, and
putt him to a by boord. The counsell rysing, becaus it was dinner
time, he desired a secreit part to retire to, where he might write
his answere. The king called for the Erie of Arran, and Colonell
Stuart, and after he had conferred with them, the Serjeant of the
Foote Guarde was sent for, to putt him in the yrons. He craved
respite till night, becaus the window was high, and he could not
stand with the yrons on his feete, to write ; which was granted.
124 caldekwood's histokik 1584.
He wrote in the guarde-hous three wrltts. One tuiched the mini-
sters, their life, doctrine, and conversatioun. The other conteaned
a suppllcatioun, wherin he purged himself of treasoun, and humblie
meaned his owne estate, not able to endure the charges which were
layed upon him ; for it cost him two merks everie day in Falkland,
the space of a moneth, and in Dumfermline als long. The thrid
conteened an answere to the heed propouned by the king's Ma-
jestic. James Stuart of Traquare, Captan of the Guarde, was sent
to receave his answeres, which were delivered, and read by the king
and Arran. He was deteaned in the yrons the space of six dayes,
but sometimes he was eased by the serjeant. James Chisholme,
one of the maistcr-housholds, was sent to perswade him to subscrive
the letter ; but he refused. At lenth, when the lords were absent,
for the most part, by the mediatioun of Mr George Young, he was
wairded in Dumfermline. Mr Johne Preston, elder, said plainlie
before the king. He would not subscrive the letter : he would not
call them seditious or evill men whose doctrine and life he ai>-
proved : he would not be a false witnesse, &c. When he came
furth to the rest of the elders, and they inquired how maters went,
he said, " I pray God, I never see his face again."
George Ilamsay of Langraw was sent to waird to Dumbartan,
onlie for admonishing Bishop Adamsone, and reproving him sccreit-
lie for railing against faithful! pastors.
Mr Archibald Ilarbertsone of Glasgow was sent from the king to
England, with coramissioun to call home certane Scotish preachers,
upon hope of good provisioun in honourable places. Among the
rest, he caried a letter to one Maister Moresone, dated the 1 0th of
June, the tenor wherof followeth : —
" Tinastie and weilbeloved — Forasmuche as, since the accepta-
tioun of the regiment in our owne person, we have cheefelie endea-
voured ourselves to cstablishe a godlie and perfyte order of policie
in the kirk of our realme ; for the sinceritie of the Gospell being
professed in our kingdome, and the troubles wherewith this realme
hath beenc vexed in our minoritie, not permitting a solide and
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 125
stablished order of policie, avc, comming to the yeeres of maturitie,
have cheefelie disposed our intentioun (by the grace of God) to
mainteane the truthe, sett furth his glorie, (by whose niercie we
governe and raigue,) and to establishe suche order, whereby the
posteritie heerafter may find the confort. And becaus the worke
of God cannot goodlie be accomplished without instruments, and
that we are certainlie informed of your good qualiteis, bestowed
in good learning, and in the Scriptures ; and that speciallie to per-
forme this worke, we have need of men indued with suche vertues ;
therefore, we have givin commissioun to our weilbeloved, Mr Archi-
bald Harbertsone, whome yee sail trust in our name, that yee may
with possible diligence addresse yourself hither to your native
countrie and king, that we may have your counsel!, assistance, and
concurrence in so godlie a worke : assuring you, upon our honour,
and in the word of a prince, that upon your returning to your na-
tive countrie, yee sail find us disposed, not onlie to consider the
paines of your journey, but to respect you in like maner in your
placing, and providing for you in honourable rowmes, which we
desire to be furnished with godlie, learned, and quiett spirits. And
like as we protest before God to meane sincerelie, so wishe we you
to render that obedience to us, wherof yee sail have good proofe of
favour. We have commanded our weilbeloved clerke and coun-
seller, the Bishop of Sanct Andrewes, to write unto you in these
maters ; to whose writting, and the declaratioun of the bearer,
(whome ye sail credite, and whome we have speciallie directed for
that purpose,) we remitt the rest. Not ellis, but committs you
and your labours to God, and wishe you not to be negligent in his
worke.
" Jajvies R.
" From our Palace of Falkland, the 10th of June 1584."
Mr Moresone not onlie refused to come home, but also dis-
swaded others who were likewise sent for. This Harbertsone was
a coosener : he borrowed money from an embroderer, in Mr David
Black's name, and in Mr Johne Davidsone's.
126 ' calderwood's histouie 1584.
A REPLY OF JONET GUTHRIE AND MARGARET MARJORIBANKS, THE
SPOUSES OF MR J. LOWSONE AND MR W. BALCALQUALL, TO A
CALUMNIOUS AND BLASPHEMOUS ANSWERE PUTT FURTH UNDER
THE NAME OF THE PHAKISAICALL PRELAT OF ST ANDREWES, TO
A LETTER SENT BY THE SAIDS MR JAMES AND MR WALTER TO
THEIR OWNE FLOCKE AND CONGREGATIOUN OF EDINBURGH.
" We have scene and read your answere, (pharisaicall prelat,)
dyted, as it were, to these notable servants of God, our husbands,
but nothing lesse meant than to be sent to them ; but as it were, in
forme of a calumnie or contradictioun, to be sparsed abroad, to
wound in their persons, and (as it were) through their sides, the
blessed Word of God preached by them. We consider that yee
have pynned yourself muche, usque ad cestum solutmn et demcusos
ungues, to beautifie your attemptat, with inkehome termes and
counterfooted eloquence, and als hask ^ a stile, as would deco *
* * * sedem apostoUcam. It is true, that Ave, two simple weomen,
(that for the present necessitie tak upon us to reply to your an-
swere,) have not atteanned to the suggarred eloquence of Cicero or
Demosthenes ; and yitt sail be able to matche thy pharisaicall
majestic, blasphemous lees, counterfoote eloquence, and hard yron
stile, with the siraplicitie of the simple truthe, able to discover and
confound thy blasphemous slanders, howsoever rhetoricallie thou hath
decked them ; and convince thee of shamcfull leeing, (yea, leeing,
and inverting the reasouns of their godlie letter,) of slander, of per-
jurie, and of turning again to thy vomite, like a filthie dog, to the
cleering and purging of our husbands of all these false calumneis,
howbeit it be after a simple stile, and rude dytement of simple
weomen.
" Yee have sett doun, in the first foure or five lynes of your an-
swere, that having perused our Imsbands' letter, directed to their
owne flocke, yee sought licence of the king to write an answere to
it ; as though it had beene a treasonable fact to the toun of Edin-
' Scurrilous.
1584. OF THE Kllllv OF SCOTLAND. 127
burgh the recept of it, and you to have answered it, except they
for recept, and you for your engyring answere, had speciall licence
of the king's Majestic. After tliat your weightie reasons sail be
debated, we leave anie indifferent man to judge what is that point
of treason which is committed. Yee say, yee cannot be judged to
have putt your huick in another man's com, howbeit yee tak upon
you to answere to a letter that is not directed to you ; becaus,
howsoever that letter seemed to be directed to the cong-reo-atioun
of Edinburgh, it conteaneth little or no purpose concerning the
toun, but forged calumneis against the king, counsell, and estats,
(and you are in number ;) and that it apperteaned rather more in
their calling to reverence them, if they Avere led Avith the Spirit of
God. The intentioun of their letter to their flocke was, to make
them understand, that just feare of their life, for mainteaning their
Maister Christ's caus, and the keeping their owne flocke from manie
straits that their byding might have brought them in, was caus of
their withdrawing themselves for a seasoun. And sua the letter
itself bewrayed you of a manifest leasing, and conteaneth great and
weightie causes of their departure, Avhich was verie requisite that
their flocke sould have understood. As to the old and commoun
reproache against God's servants ; troublers of commoun wealths,
rebells to princes, unreverent speekers of these that be in authori-
tie ; they may beare it with their Master, to Avhome that and
more was said. ' JVou ne bene dicimus, quod Beelzebub habes T
But becaus this Avill depend upon the discussing of the particulars
of the reply to the ansAvere of the letter, we Avill say but this muche
shortlie, as Elias said to Achab, ' It is thou, and thy father's hous,
that trouble Israel.' It is thou, and the remnant of you, phari-
saicall prelats, becaus yee are not throuned up in the jjlace and au-
thoritie of Pops, that Avould rather mixe heaven and earth, ere the
pompe of your prelaceis decay. Yee say, except it were for caus
of strangers, (least they sould be sinistrouslie informed,) yee would
not compt it worth an ansAvere. Pearles are not the Avorse though
filthie SAvyne trode them under foote, and preferre their draffe in
their stinking sty unto them. Your answere, Avhen it sail be
1 28 cat.derwood's tiistorie 1 584.
matched with a reply of the learned, (which, we doubt not, yee
sail find one sent by time,) sail be found worth little to except for
an apothecar'a booth, or a seed man's shoppe, and the great paines
ye have tane to beautifie leesings and false calumneis sail be found
fruictlesse labour,
'' You come at lenth, and lay furth the particular heeds of im-
pugnatioun of their letter. And, first, impugning their excuse for
departing, which yee esteeme to be verie weake, because (say yee)
they appeare rather to colour suche attempts as have latelie beene
practised, and detected to the sunne and moone. Tarpe est doc-
tori cum culpa redarguit ipsum, for, in the nixt lyne of your letter,
yee blame them of generallitie ; and yee are so generall yourself,
that nather darre yee condescend upon anie practises, nor yitt af-
firme that they were culpable of anie. Wheranent, if yee had
beene speciall, yee had receaved speciall answere, Questio enim per
forte solvitur per forte non. We are assured, that yee, nor none in
Scotland, is able to convince them of anie treasonable attemptat,
ather against God or the king. You blame their sophisticall gene-
ralitie, (so it pleaseth your pharisaicall majestic to terme it,) not
condescending what plagues they had thi'eatned, at what time,
upon what places of the Scripture. Truelie, if their sermons had
beene als rare as yours, since yee were My Lord Bishop, we thinke
they might be the abler to have reduced them to thir remem-
brance ; and that generalitie which yee so blame, is yitt freshe
eneugh in the hearts of their owne flocke, and this day scene ac-
complished, to the great regrate of all the godlie sort, that sob for
reformatioun. What volumes, we pray you, had they writtin, if
they had writtin all the doctrine taught by them, impugning the
dissolutioun of this age, als weill among their owne flocke as at
court ? And yee thinke that that court sould be as Sancta Sanc-
torum, reproached or reproved of no man ; sua fynelie have yee
learned for your luckelesse court flattering ! As to that conjee-
turall argument of yours, that for feare of being challenged of the
lload of liuthven, they had left their flocke ; if yee list to make
an aftirmative assertioun of your conjecturall argument, yee sould
158-1. OF THE KlltK OF SCOTLAND. 129
reccave a short answere, to witt, (with reverence of" your jihari-
saicall Pontificat,) yee lee in your throat. For yce are not able to
prove the least suspicioun of intelligence of it.
"Yee affirme, that the culpablenesse of their attemptat is be-
wrayed, and the malice of their hearts plainlie uttered, in the secund
article of their letter, becaus, these diverse yeeres, they have beene
enemies to the coui'se of the court, and the court to them ; and quer-
rell meckle the not excepting of the king's person, with (we wote
not wliat) other fecklesse phrases, requiring little answere. In
their letter there is no suche phrase as invying of court ; (put your
spectacles on again Avhen yee list :) yitt, albeit it were as you say,
is it anie new thing to see profane, dissolute courteours, invy the
teachers of Gode's truthe ? And God's servants invy not their per-
sons, but their dissolute and profane behaviour. And in this, we
leave anie indifferent man to judge betuixt us, that sail read your
blasphemous answere and our reply, and are acquaint with the be-
haviour of the court this day. You blame them that they shew no
particular practises of court against the truthe. What mistereth
them to show that Avhich you have [)ublictlie proclamed at the
Mercat Croce, and exhibited as a publict law repugnant to God's
eternall truthe, which yee, as cheefe author and father, have beene
in brewing both at home and afeild, and have abused the sfood na-
ture of the king's ^Majestic, making him understand that these acts
may agree with God's law ; and agree als weill with it as light with
darknesse. And yitt yee will speere. What hath the court prac-
tised ? Yee be like these who enquire the way they be weill eneugh
acquainted with. You querrell, that in this generall reproache of
court, the king's person is not excepted nor exeemed. O flattering
panche-god ! that would bring out of the envennomed treasure of
thy invyous heart, discord betuixt God's servants and their naturall
and loving prince. Envennomed vespe ! sucker of poysoun out of
wholesome and confortable flowers ! forging and fostering calumneis
upon innocent men, where there is no suche cans in the letter. Be
there not at court a good number of honest, godlie, and zealous
pei'sons, besides his Highnesse ? Thinke yee, whill God's servants
VOL. IV. I
130 caldeuwood's ittstorik 1,o84.
reprove profanltie of court, and thyne, and a number of other un-
quiett braines doing what in them lyeth, to impoysoun the king's
heart, and introduce in the kirk your new devised Popedome; thinke
yee, we say, that we bvirthein his Grace, and that godlie remnant,
and not rather you, the authors and inventers? And we Avaite for
this muche of his gracious clemcncie, that some time his Hienesse
sail make this new forme of policie be better examined, and trieil
with learned and indifferent men ; at what time, we doubt not but
his Hienesse, understanding your flatterie in abusing his Grace for
your stinking promotioun, sail, for your reward, erect you in a tovr.
You reproache them of breache of promise made, that they sould
speeke nothing in pulpit of court, before they had conferred with
his Hienesse' self; and you are not able to condescend on anie pai--
ticular, whereanent yee can blame them in this behalfe. Whensoever
yee sail doe it, in anie particular, they sail cleere themselves to the
satisfactioun of all honest men. But we wonder, that suche a Holi-
glasse as you are (we speeke with reverence of your Pontificat)
sould querrell breache in promise, who, in breache of promise, is re-
proachefullest of anie man in our knowledge in all Scotland. Qui
dicit quce vult, qua non vult, audiet. How manie ever had dealing
with you, to whome yee have not played an Holiglasse tricke ?
" You prosecute in your answere, that they, leaving court and
counsell, querrell the estats conveened at this present parliament;
and sett doun (you say) majesticall sentences so generall against
the late acts of parliament, alledging them to repugne to the Word
of God ; and therefore blame their generalitie. And, for your bet-
ter warrant in blaming them, yee produce the first act of parlia-
ment, and make a long discourse, to little purpose, upon the same ;
and ather ignorantlie mistake, or maliciouslie (which we rather
judge) depravat the ground of their godlie letter, writtin to their
owne flocke, being the just cans of their withdrawing them frome
their flocke ; becaus, in the late parliament, acts were sett doun
and published against the Word of God ; and for the more terrour
to anie that sould oppone against them an act made to comj)t it
treasoun to speeke against these acts ; strait charges sent to the ma-
1584. OF THK KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 131
gistrats of their owiie flockes, to imprison them that oppouned
against them. In this strait they were in danger of condemnatiouri
of both soule and bodie, if they keeped silence, and spake not
against these lawes : of treasoun against the king, if they oppouned
themselves against them. Minassings, and bloodie words of great
courteours, cast abrode for their greater terrour, ministred just caus
of feare, and was lawfull caus of their departing ; sua judged and
accepted of the most and best part of their owne flocke, howsoever
yee would engyre your self, to perswade them of the contrare ; and
without witt, with huike, in verie deed sheare another man's rig :
depraving and calumniating their good meaning, as though it were
hi gh treasoun against the king the writing of it, and higher
treasoun the recept of it. His Hienesse' cares are wearied with
your inopportunitie and malicious forged leing upon these poore
servants of God. The cheefe point that yee querrell them for is
specking against the acts of the estats, hypocriticall prelate ! If the
late acts, or anie of them, be suche as agree not, or may not stand
with God's law, and the forsaid minassing also true, who darre be
so impudent as to blame their departing ; or them for specking
against the estats, that darre take upon them to sett doun lawes
against God, though they were authorized with the estats of all
the parliaments on the earth ? You will say, we know you be not
mett directlie. You querrell them of impugning the lawes of the
estat, as repugnant to God's law ; not condescending what acts re-
pugne, nor how they repugne. What hath their letter to doe, to
satisfie your grosse and wilfull ignorance, that see als cleere as the
sunne the repugnancie, and yitt maliciouslie seeme to misknow,
onlie to forge a querrell, and be, like Chaucer's cooke, bussier nor
yee mister, and skad your lippes in other men's kaile ? Their owne
flocke, to whome the letter is directed, know the muter, and see
repugnancie, and are satisfied. What have they to doe with you,
who, in your poysouned malice, is wilfuUie ignorant ? He is block-
ish as a stocke, and blind as a mod-wart, that seeth it not. And
if your craft had not beene suche to obscure them from men's
knowledge, discharging your clerks to give furth anie extract of
132 C ALDER WO()D's IIISTOKIE 1584.
them, and have bccnc ashamed to committ to print the best part of
them, they liad beene, ere now, directlie impugned out of the Word
of God. Therefore, seing the force of thy ingyne is to deccave
honest men, goe seeke some other course : thou sail never be able
to prevaile that way. We mervell at the envennomed malice of
thyne heart against these men, thy manifold unreverend words, and
the deepe dissimulatioun of thy hypocriticall course, that, in confer-
ence with good men tuiching the late acts, thou hath protested
before God (as though thou disallowed them thyself) thou never
knew there was anie evill intended against the ku-k, nor was of
counsell of these lawes before they were penned and propouned in
parliament hous. And yitt suchc a brazen face darre upbraid so
godlie men, susteaning so good a caus, when thy owne conscience
throweth out of thee, now or then, to one or other, the disallowing
of these acts ! Were not for bringing good men in trouble by thee,
we sould decipher thy dissimulat hypocrisie.
" Thou taketh occasioun, upon the first act of that parliament, to
make a brag of a notable workc, and commenteth largelie upon it.
But for what caus comment ycc not als muchc upon your fourth
act and twentie act, Avhich is the fundament of your Popedome ;
and the remanent acts, which yee thinkc shame to print ? We
must make your answere, Becaus yee are not able to justifie them
by warrant of God's Word. And all that yee have established in
that act yee annull in the rest, derogantes j)rioru jwsterioribus. Yee
induce an evill collected consequence, farrc from the meaning of
anie point of their letter, to make disputatioun, whether the mini-
sters of a countrie sail prcscrivc to the prince and commoun wealth ;
or if he, bearing cheefe authoritie of his princelie office, sail sett
doun lawes for the policie of the kirk. This farre-fetched mater, to
debate on, is als farre souglit out of their letter, as helium Troja-
num a gemino ovo. As to their purpose, we say yitt once again,
that wicked lawes which are established by the estats (of which
number yee boast you one) of the rcalme, and tyrannicall threat-
nings against them, if they sould oppone against the same, have
ministred caus of just fcare for them, to withdraw them frome their
1584. OF THE KIRK OV SCOTLAND. 133
flocke, nnd reserve themselves to a better time : and that gloreing
of thine, of being one of the cstats, and sitting in parliament, re-
presenting a member of the kirk, and against thy faith, against thy
conscience, against thy former hand-writt and subscriptions yitt
extant, sail be a testimonie of God's just judgements against thee.
And when ever the subject of these acts sail be debated before
an indifterent judge, your aspiring to a Popedome sail be brought
to matche with the lowest sort of your marrowes ; your pharisaicall
hypocrisie discovered, and the prince, in his princelie authoritie,
fullie satisfied. You prosecute your argument, enlarging it from
exemple of late yeeres preceeding; and prove that the policie of
the kirk can not depend upon the decrees of ministers, but upon
the law of God, and constitutions of princes ; becaus (say yee) ex-
perience hath taught, that great disorder in the kirk, no man hav-
ing the oversight of dioceis, no difference betwixt great and small,
learned and unlearned, young and old, but everie man acknow-
ledging equall authoritie and jurisdictioun in the kirk.
" Howbeit, all this mater be farre-fetched, and concerne not the
answeres of our husbands' letter ; and you thinke these reasons
suclie, as great QEdipus could not find out an answere for them, we
will assay what two simple weomen can doe. You have oft quer-
elled our husbands' letter of generalitie ; and you are alwise pud-
delled in the same myre, never specifeing in particular these con-
fusiouns. We would mervell, (if we knew not yee were effronted
shamelesse,) so manifestlie to lee, of not visitatioun of the dioceis^
which Avas ever the cheefest care of the kirk, and the first thing
that was tane accompt of in Assembleis, as though your new de-
vised Popedome and visitatioun by you, tliat nathcr can nor beare
good will to visite, and are so defiled with the stinking puddell of
all corruptiouns and filthie crimes, that men would soone upbraid
you, ' lieforme your selves, and syne reforrae us ;' as though
we say, your visitatioun sould be preferred. As to equalitie in ju-
risdictiouns, and authoritie in the kirk, which you aggravat most,
we affirme it is the verie true order left by the Spirit of God, for
the best forme to governe his kirk, and preserve it frome the ty-
134 caldekwood's iiistokik 1584.
rannicall pride and ambitiomi of your prelates, wliich, of old, in-
duced the Popedome, and now is aspired to by you, though alter
another forme. Our Maister, Christ, smeUing the pridefull anibi-
tioun that was likelie to enter among his apostles, after his de})art-
ing, contending who sould be greatest, said, ' Who would be great-
est among you, be servant to the rest.' Unto which of the apos-
tles gave he prerogative above the remanent ? (except yee would
induce again that phantasticall opinion of Peter's supremacie, and
fundament of the lloman kirk.) If there be necessitie of prefer-
ment of one minister above another, or others, yee must needs as-
cend till yee come to one above all, and so, in end, to the old Pope-
dome, that your ambitious hearts aspire so muche unto. God hath
givin alike commissioun to all these that have their lawfull calling of
him in his kirk. We will use a familiar similitude. What greater
preferment (we meane of his office) hath one bailliffe above another,
howbeit he be perha})s of honourabler kin, greater riches, age, or
wisdome? If there were tenne in a toun, in prerogative of his
office, he is no wise above his niarrowes. Your answere meeteth
verie directlie (God wote !) their letter, when you upbraid them
two, that the acts of the Asscmblie repugne one to another ; and
some of them, you say, derogating to the estats of the realme : and
that pluralitie of votes soidd beare maters away there ; and all must
be out of order, that dcpendeth not upon the policie which you,
corrupt and ignorant prclats, with a number of unlearned others,
putt furth, under the colour of the king's name and estats of the
realme. You be so oft rela}»se in generalitie, that we forgett the
number, not mentioning the acts repugning, their bookcs being ex-
tant with their acts ; and amongst manic, yee might have produced
one, and lettin the repugnancie and derogatioun to the estats have
beene scene. But, becaus yee could not i)ossiblic doe it, yee over-
passed it with a generalitie. Where you (juerrell that ])luralitie of
votes sould beare maters away, lett us understand anie forme of con-
cluding debated maters, ather in old or new, spirituall or temporall
councells, yea, within your own parliament, beside that forme. Pro-
duce it ; for hitherto wc have never heard of anie. You ((uerrell and
1584. OF TJIE KIKK OF HCOThAND. 135
reproache the number of the acts and statuts of the kirk, saying, they
goe beyond the number of the statuts of the Canon law. If the statuts
themselves be good, yee doe wrong to blame them : for the Canon
law Avas never blamed in the number, but in that, that the great-
est part of them repugned to God's law.
" You reproache speciallie the act made tuiching the Road of
Ruthven, as treasounable. How can yee reproache ather them two,
or the whole Assemblie, of that act ; you, (whom yee call the es-
tats,) having before found, and declared it to be good and accept-
able service to his Grace ; and his Grace having directed his Hie-
ncsse' owne commissioners to that Assemblie, declaring that your
lordships had so decerned, and that it was his Hienesse' minde, that
all his good subjects sould understand it to be so consented, that
there sould be an act made to that effect ? How manie proclamations
sett yeefurth, for approving andjustifeing of that act ; and that no
man sould speeke evill of that act, yea, under paine of treasoun? You
charge them with commanding the king's Majestic, under paine of
excouununicatioun, to dispone his bishoprlcks to qualified men ;
and therin you make a manifest leesing of them ; for you are not
ai^lc to prove it. You blaspheme fasting, that notable exercise of
God's service. We doubt not but God sail punishe you with that
or the like punishement of Rabsakeh and Senacherib, for their blas-
phemie. You sett doun a great majesticall sentence, (we use your
owne termes,) ex malts moribus boncB leges ortce sunt. It behoved
you first to have provin malos mores, which you sail not be able to
doe, when you have striven to the uttermost ; nor yitt prove leges
bonas. It appeareth that yee call these, malos mores, the changing
of superintendents to bishops, frome bishops to visiters, frome visit-
ers to commissioners, frome commissioners to presbytereis, ; and,
under colour of presbytereis, (so impudentlie it pleaseth you to
speeke,) to practise their treasonable attemptats, with gentlemen of
the countrie, against the king, and incitat his Hienesse' subjects to
rebellioun. We perceave there is no end of thy blasphemous leing.
Are yee able to bring out of all the presbytereis of Scotland one
prooffe of anie treasonable attempt, or incitation to commotion popu-
136 calderavood's tiistokie 1584.
lar, against his Hienesse ? If ycc could, I doiibt not yoe liad done.
As to the changing of their names, what is tliat to the purpose what
name be givin ; the effect of their calling, that was so termed, re-
maining? For ministers be sometimes called ministers, sometimes
pastors, sometimes preests, sometimes bishops. The Spirit of God,
in the Revelation, calleth them angels. AVhat of the name, Avhen the
mater remaineth all one ? Have yee so soone forgott your owne ap-
probatioun of all that policie, when you, like a proud Balaam, had
oppouned your self against that forme of policie which, by force of
argument and reason, convicted and overcome, yee were compelled
to yeeld to, and crie Avith tearcs, which noAV are scene to huxQ
beene hypocriticall and crocodilicall ? Thou came, as Balaam, to
curse thy brethrein, the authors of that policie ; and God opened
thy mouth, and (maugre thy heart) made thee to blesse them,
confessing thy self convicted in conscience; allowing all that
policie, and begging of God that you might have had an houre
in pulpit, to lett the world vmderstand how yee were satisfied ;
and, as avower and approver of all, subscrived it with thine owne
hand, yitt extant, incacc thou would denie, although now, like a
filthie dog, thou would returne to thine owne vomite. Prosecuting
your digressioun from formall answering to their letter, you come
to justifeing of the late acts ; and all that you bring for justifeing
of them is your owne assertioun, that in upright conscience, and
warrant of God's law, yee did it ; willing them to speeke more re-
verentlie of the estats and their lawes. If yee had provin your as-
sertions, and made induction of them with their warrant of God's
Word, yee had done somwhat. But a feg for your bare assertioun,
without farther ! for all your preferment, and all your authoritie, is
not yitt suche as all must be truthe, qiiia ipse dixit. And we leave
God to judge betwixt you and them, Avho misused themselves most
to the estats; you with flatterie abusing the truthe, and they impugn-
ing lawes direct against God's truthe. You querrell them for calling
you ' cursed bishops.' In a cursed time were you borne ; a cursed
life, in a cursed time, have you lived ; and if you mend not vour
maners, in God's wrath accursed sail you dee. And, albeit some
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. I37
of you be Avushed (sutorio atramento) from your cursetlnesse, (the
exemple whei'of yee sail never be able to prove in anie age of the
kh*k,) cursed yitt in God's sight continueth he still.
" Where, you say, if charitie would permitt, you would upbraid
the cheefest of their opinioun with fouller vices, wee mervell you
speeke so muche of charitie, who have so foullie abused your self
beyond the bounds of all Christian charitie, so falselie, with so
manie reproachefull words, blaspheming not onlie them, but God's
Word through them. We understand not what yee meant by the
' cheefest of their opinioun ;' except it were their Master, Christ,
contra quern durum est calcitrare. You object to them, Jerome and
Vigilantius, tuiching slanderous crimes in men's owne persons. But
this subject is not fitt, being for the power and authoritie of God's
Word, intended by you to be brought under the appetits of men,
whill yee thinke that men's law sould stand repugnant to God's
law. Remember the zeale that men sould be moved with when
God's cans is in hand, whill the prophet sayeth, ' Zelus domus
tu(B cumedit me J And truelie, with Jerome and Vigilantius, in re-
proaching men's owne particular vices, we would be both slow and
modest, howbeit (in this your answere, yee have observed little of
their rule) you come yitt once again to calumniat their departure,
as a crime you cannot esteeme to have a matche ; and judge it to
have beene to none other end, but onlie to have stirred up some
popular motioun. Cliaritas non est suspiciosa. Where is that Chris-
tian charitie you boasted so muche latelie of; or what argument of
suspicioun was ever found in anie of these two ? You are in the
bitternesse of gall, and false invented malicious leing. We are cer-
tane the king's Majestic himself is perswaded otherwise. As to the
justifeing of the lawfulnesse of their depai'ting, we have said before,
that we doubt not to cleere their honestie in that point ; and had
beene now more^speciall, were not we understand that there is a
discourse betwixt two burgesses of Edinburgh, disputing that
mater at great lenth.
" x\li that followeth in your answere, from Chrysostome's answere,
11071 descendam, &c., till you come the third time to your late acts,
138 (J ALDEli wood's HISTORIE 1581.
tendeth onlie to praise the king's Grace, that willed all them of
their vocatioun to walkc in their owne calling, tcache and instruct
their flockes, and not be disturbers of peace and quietnesse of the
commoun-wealth, nor stirrers up of popular seditioun, in anie their
sermons. In this we most heartilie praise God, begging to his
Grace long life in God's feare and obedience, and preservatioun
frome so cursed flatterers, malicious leers, detracters of innocent
men, as you be, who have moved the good nature of good princes
oft tymes to doe that rashlie, that, after deliberat advisement, they
have sore repented.
" You say our husbands be mad, and bereft of their witt, that
thought to have greater libertie of veHgioun in England (whether
they be fled) than in Scotland. Your reasons be, the queene is a
rare auditrix of sermons her self^ and hath yitt continuing in her
rcalmc the reformatioun of King Ed^vard, blemished with manie
ceremoneis and superstitions. What is it to the libertie of their
conscience how manie or how few sermons the queen heare ? And
have not these notable kirks, both of France and Flanders, found
recept, confort, and defence, in the puritie of their owne reformed
religioun, notwithstanding of anie injunctions of her owne subjects ?
Yee make a gallimafra of this answere of yours under colour of
answering ; interlacing so manie sindrie purposes, and going frome
purpose to purpose, now to it, now fi-om it, now to it again. Now
yee cast out Bullinger and Mr Buccr's opinioun tuiching the cere-
moneis of England : again yee querrell, of new, their departing, as
though yee could never say enough : againe {agens negotium de
hanoco) you confirme the authoritie of your })harasaicall dignitie,
that truelie we wearie of your answering. Yit, least yee thinke
yee have triumphed with victorie, Ictt us come to the particulars.
Martin Bucer, nor Ilenrie 15ullinger, were never of that opinioun,
that these ceremoneis which were not adiaphorc, and might not
stand with the exjn-esse Word of God, sould be allowed or borne
with ; but suche as were in themselves adiaphore, and might stand
with the Word. What would these notable instruments of God
say to you if they were alive, that would reduce, after twentie-
1584. OF THE KIKK OF SCOTLAND. 139
foil re yeeres' reformatioun of religioun in puritie, but anie cere-
moiieis or injunctiouns, not onlie adiayhore ceremoneis, but place
constitutions, sett out in publict, lawes repugning ex diametro to tlie
Word of God ? You affirm that no men in England, where they
are, call in questioun the authoritie of the king over all estats in
his realme, nor authoritie of bishops in their dioceis. We would
that yee, villane prelats, sould matche you with others than princes.
Who is in Scotland that doubteth of his Hienesse' power over all
his estats, yea, in als solemne a maner as anie prince under the
sunne ? What part of their bill (that yee ingyre you to answere
unto) deduce yee this answere from ? As for you, pharisaicall pre-
lats, with that authoritie which yee would challenge over dioceis,
and which yee affinnc that the whole learned men in England ap-
prove, we are assured you blame them falselie, and when they sail
hearc of it they sail matche you with an answere ; for the best and
learnedst sort of that realme approveth not the forme among them-
selves there ; and the whole learned men there are in contrare opi-
nioun, that after so long sattled policie there sould be so suddane
alteratioun.
" You come nixt to the impudentest and manifestest leesing that
ever v/e heard ; and say that there is not one of these late acts of
parliament which the whole bishops, pastors, ministers, and other
learned, godlie, and faithfull professors of the Word in England,
have not approved, allowed, and subscrlved, without ane contro-
versie. How manic, Ave pray you, of all the learned in England,
have so muche as once heard that there are suche acts made In
Scotland, lett be to approve and subscrive them ? We mervell
they be gone so quicklie abroad In England that none could gett
the cople of them in Scotland. Fy upon thy shamelessc Icing !
You say, you thinke the estats of that realme will not tolerat suche
beastlie men in their countrle to infect their youth. Bona verba
quoiso, ne in tarn amplo camjjo malum dicens, pejus audias. But we
wounder more that the earth beareth suche a profane Icing vil-
lane, epicurean bellie-god ; for thy beastllnesse, if we sould de-
scrive, we sould bring the livelie Image of Hellogabalus, Scroggan,
140 calderwood's historie 1584.
or Ilolliglasse ;' and when we licaddone that, we coukl not descrlvc
the tenth part of thy treachereis. If you thlnke Ave have exceeded
matronall silence in thy description, learne yourself to specke true-
lie and reverentlie of lionest and s;odllc men that have testimonic
of thousands, both of doctrine and behaviour. That great axiome
Avhich yee affirme yee will close up your answere with, what part
of their letter it answereth to, God knoweth, being only an invec-
tive against the Booke of Policle and authors therof. The order,
or disorder, (yee say,) sett doun in the Booke of Policie, tuichlng
the king and estats, cannot stand with sinceritie of the truthe,
exemple of the ancients, nor scepter of a Christian prince. What
can be answered to this generallitie, which you so muche blame in
others, and yitt are alwayes in relapses, of one to the tenth ? What
is sett doun in the Booke of Policie tuichlng that subject we know-
not, and we never heard of anie suche booke sett furth in Scot-
land. But had you deduced that which you so straltlie Impugue
generallie, you sould have beene answered to your shame ; and,
therefore, we continue speclall answere till you condescend both
of the booke, and the particular heeds sett doun, that you would
impugne.
" You turne your stile from them conjunctlie to Mr Walter alone,
and affirme, you thought him never worthie to have charge of suche
a congregatloun. Magna res est, scilicet, that you thought sua.
Whlll he was with them, he was both in doctrine and behaviour, and
now absent, longed for and thrlsted after, and his absence bewailed
with teares of the godlie. But we thinke it sail be long ere your
absence be so regrated of your flocke. You exhort Mr James
Lowsone to returne again, and show the king's graclousnesse and
clemencie, and that he is thristed for of the brethrein. Blessed be
God that he is yitt thristed for of good men, howsoever suche a
' Holiglasse, or Howleglas, so often alluded to at this period, was a popular person-
age of the morality plays of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, who identified the
French Tartuffe, and the Italian Harlequin in his own single person. The allusion,
therefore, possessed a poignancy in Melvill's time, which is in a great measure lost
to the readers of the present day.
1584. OF THE KlUK OF SCOTLANI). 141
villane as you Cixlunmlat him. We acknowledge and confesse his
Hienesse' clemencie, and, in our verie hearts, praise God for the
same. For, if his Hienesse would serve the appetits of your rag-
ing malice against God's servants, that in puritie of religioun would
serve him, and not mainteane your pharisaicall pompe, and beare
up your stinking tailes, they had beene compelled ere now to seeke
another land for their dwelling. The Lord open his eyes to see
your malice, pride, and hypocriticall flatterie, and tulche his Grace
more and more to see his owne calling, to God's glorie, his Hienesse'
long life, increasse of honour, with good successe in all his godlie
efFaires, rejoicing, as in open sunne, the hearts of manic godlie
men. How you, and others your companions, maliciouslie and
untruelie calumniat, the Lord, we say once again, judge betuixt
you and them, that his Hienesse may once see whether yee, with
your impoysouned flatterie, or they, in the simplicitie and upright-
nesse of their conscience, meane faithfuUest to his Hienesse' obe-
dience ; w^ealthe, and weelefare to his Hienesse, bodie and soule.
Amen. Amen.
" Arise, O Lord Jesus, to judgement, for the poore and simple be
oppressed with the calumiieis of the wicked.
" Your sisters, if yee had not alreadie divided the unitie of the
kirk ; and Avhen 3'ee sail returne in Peter's teares, be sisters
ao-aine. " Jonet Guthrie.
"Makgaret Marjoribanks."^
THE SUMME OF THE CONFERENCE BETWIXT HENRIE AND EDWARD.
About the same time, there was sett furth a dialogue betuixt
two citicens, under the name of Henrie Nisbit and Edward Hope,
tuiching the subscriving of the letter, which was sent to the con-
gregatioun of Edinburgh to be subscrived, as an answere to Mr
James Lowsone and Mr Walter Balcanquall, their ministers.
' This letter, which was actually written by the wives of the two ministers, so ex-
cited the rage of the archbishop, that he procured the persecuting edicts of the king
against them, instead of encountering them with their own weapons.
142 oaldkuwodd's htstouif. lf)84.
Ilenrie chargeth Edward with the recept of a slanderous letter,
that Impugned the king's lawes. Edward answered, it had beene
a churlish thing not to have receaved a letter from their owne i)as-
tor ; and if they had beene perswaded that in anie case it would
have offended his Majestic, they would never have scene it within.
" But the question is," said he, " whether I may damnc Mr J.
LoAvsone and Mr W. Balcalquall for preaching and wi'itting, that
the late acts of parliament repugne to the Word of God, before
they be heard ? Putt the cace, the bailiffc apprehended a nigh-
bour who had spokin als muche as they have writtin ; had attached
him, therefore, to the law ; fenced a court, putt him to the know-
ledge of an assise, layed doun his dittay to the assise. If this man
soidd offer to prove cleerelie and manifestlie the lawes to be repug-
nant to God's Word, could the assise justlie damne him in the
penaltie of an act, and judge him reuyn capitis V Henrie confessed
the law of God sould have the first place. " With what conscience,
then," said Edward, " can I, nather perfytlie knowing the whole
tenor of the late acts, nor their reasons, that affirme that they agree
not with God's truthe, in whom I have scene the power of God's
Spirit so mightilie, call them slyders from the truthe, transformed
woolves, and bereave so notable instruments of their fame and
honestie ? Some of the authors of the late acts have besought
God to forgive them, and professed plainlie that some of these acts
may nather stand with God's law nor man's : yea, some have beene
appointed, even since the concluding of these acts in parliament, to
peruse them over againe ; and are yitt in suspense if they sail
publishe some of them in print, and in what forme. Farther, that
letter beareth that these men have seldome exhorted us to follow
that rule of Sanct Paul in the 13th of the Romans, of obedience to
princes, which, if I sould subscrive, I sould avow a manifest lee."
"But," said Henrie, "are they not fugitives, deserters of their
flocke, and promise breakers to us ?" " If a man," said Edward,
" intised by whatsomever occasioun, hunt for the life of his wife, or
she for his, the mater being certane to be so, desertion for so rea-
sonabh* a cans is not a haynous crime. Strait charge was sent to
1584. OF THE KIILK OF SCOTLAND. 143
the magistrats, a part of their ovvne flocke, if they impugned the
acts, to apprehend them, cast them in prissoun, keepe them in sure
firmance, till order be taikin with them for their proud contempt
and rebellioun. One charge was sent after another, and the mini-
sters threatncd, though their craig wer als great as hay stacks,
tlieir head sould ly at their heeles, if they presumed to impugne
these acts. And when the magistrats were demanded, AVhat
would be their part ? they answered, the charge was strait. So,
they were the first breakers of the mutuall contract, and gave oc-
casioun of their departure. Sould not the obedience of the Great
King goe before obedience to an earthlie king ? They were fullie
pers waded, if yee had beene foreseen e of their departure, some of
you would have bewrayed it ; and so, when there had beene great-
est necessitie, they had not beene permitted to depart. Hath not
Christ said, ' If they persecute you in one citie, flee to another ?'
Manie of the servants of God have givin place to the furie of men
when their life was in hazard. How manie prophets hid them-
selves from the crueltie of Jesabell ? Escaped not Christ himself,
diverse times, the crueltie of the Jewes, becaus his hour was not
come? Paul escaped King Aretas hunting for his life. How
manie pastors, both in France and England, have interchanged both
citeis and realmes, uhi non erat tuta statio inter proprias ovps ? All
flockes and congregations in the world are Christ's. He chaugeth
or removeth pastors from one congregation to another, sometime in
judgement, becaus his Word is not receaved witli obedience, and
his servants reverenced ; sometimes, to keepe them from tlie craftie
snaires of men layed against their lives ; sometime, to worke his
Avorke in some other place. Farther, that letter would have me to
discharge them of their functioun over us, and us of being their
flocke. How can we discharge them before the kirk have tried
their favdt, and deposed them ? Eorum est deponere, quorum est
admiiterer
About this time a licence and power was granted to the Bisiiop
of Sanct Andrewes, the which licence may be a commentai'ie to
the late acts of parliament, the tenour wherof followeth : —
144 CALDEUWOOiys IIISTOIIIE lo8'L
" Our sovcranc lord, ■with advice and consent of liis Ilienesse'
Privie Counsell, ordeanctli a letter to be made under the great
scale, in due forme, giving and granting to his welbelovcd clerk
and oratour, Patrik Archbishop of Sanct Andrewes, power, autho-
ritie, and jurisdictioun, to exercise the samine archbishoprick, by
himself, his commissioners, and deputs, in all maters ecclesiasticall,
within the diocie of Sanct Andrewes, and shirefdoms Avhich have
beene heeretofore annexed thereto ; Avith power to the said arch-
bishop, under his Hienesse, to call and conveenc synodall assem-
bleis of the ministrie within the diocie, for keeping of good order,
mainteaning of true doctrine, and reformatioun of maners ; allaner-
lie to plant ministers of kirks, which sail happin to be desolate and
vacant ; to give admissioun and collatioun of benefices to persons
qualified, ather presented by the lawfull patrons or us ; to depose
persons unqualified, and unable, in life and doctrine, for discharging
of their cure. The which persons being so deposed, their rents,
stipends, and benefices, to vaike in the hands of tlie lawfull pa-
trons, to be conferred of new to qualified and godlie persons ; to
refornie colledges, kirks, and suche other places appointed for
learning ; to place and displace maisters of colledges, unqualified,
according to the tenor of their foundations, or evill affected to our
service and obedience, contraveening, by word or writt, our royall
power and priveledge, established in our late acts of parliament, or
slandering us by erroneous doctrine : to visite the hospitals within
the dioceis and kirks, and see them weill furnished, mainteanned,
and npparrelled ; commanding our faithfull and true subjects to
yeeld unto the said Patrik Archbishop of Sanct Andrewes due
obedience. And, that the same may be the better reverenced and
obeyed, we have givin and granted power to the said archbishop,
to have one of the most virtuous, godlie, and honest officers of
amies within the said diocie, who sail be called Officer of the Kirk ;
who sail, in our name and authoritie, assist the foresaid bishop ;
and sail command all and sindne contraveeners, and breakers of
the good and godlie order of the kirk, of what degree or qualitie
so ever they be, under us ; Avith suche penalteis, nudcts, impris-
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 145
sonments, repentances, and maner therof, as we, our connsellers
and officers, sail agree unto, upon the humble sute of the said arch-
bishop, other bishops, and commissioners in ecclesiasticall maters.
In which, if the said bishop and officer be disobeyed, we will
accompt the injurie done to our owne persoun, and punishe the
samine with all rigour, in exemple of others. Providing alwise,
that if anie person or persons receave anie intolerable wrong, or,
without cans or just deserving, be otherwise used by the said
bishop, that, as the law of God and lovable constitution of this
realme doeth permitt, it sail be leasome to the persons so enormelie
hurt to appeale to us and our soverane authoritie, to be inter-
pouned for remeed therof. For if the statue and image of empe-
rours, in ancient time, was a sufficient girth, asyle, and protectioun
to them that had refuge thereto, it becometh us muche more, in
our owne persons, to be a confort and releefe to these that sail
seeke unto our clemencie, against whatsomever oppressioun by spiri-
tuall or temporal! persons ; to whom we promise our princelie fa-
vour, the which we minde alwayes to administrat, by the grace
of God, in suche sort as we may answerable to Him whose image
and lieutenantrie we beare in this realme. And, further, becaus it
is necessar for the kirk of God, and preservatioun of good order to
be mainteaned therin, that when necessitie requireth, the bishop of
everie diocie, and suche other learned men of the diocie as sail be
thought meete for that purpose, assemble together, for taking of an
uniforme order to be observed in the realme, in forme of commoun
prayer, and other things requisite for the commoun estate of the
kirk ; we, of our princelie power, grant the priviledge unto the
said archbishop to conveene the rest ; providing alwise, that be-
fore anie conventioun generall of the clergie, that the said bishop
sail make us advertised of the necessarie causes of the foresaid con-
ventioun, that we may understand the samine to tend to the weele-
fare of the kirk, and policie of the countrie ; and that the said
bishop may have our speciall licence thereto granted to him, under
our privie scale ; and that no act or constitutioun made by the as-
semblie of bishops or clerks have anie force, strenth, or effect, within
VOL. IV. K
146 calderwood's historie 1584.
our realme, to bind anie of our subjects, without they be allowed,
approved, and confirmed by us, our counscll and estate ; and after
the approbatioun of our royall authoritie, they to stand in full
force and effect."
Mr Johne Ilowesone rebooked the court for their proceedings.
He was apprehended and examined at Falkland, the 12th of Julie,
as foUoweth : —
At Falkland, the 12th day of Julie, anno 1584. In presence
of the king's Majestic, his lords, and others of his Privie
Counsell underwrittin, viz. : Johne Erie of Montrose, Lord
Grahame, his Hienesse' Treasurer, James Lord of Down,
Collector-Generall, William Commendatare of Pittenweeme,
Captane of his Guarde, Sir James Campbell of Archinglas,
Knight, his Hienesse' Comptroller, and Alexander Hay,
clerk.
1. Mr Johne Howesone, minister at Cambuslaing, enquired, de-
clareth, that he will never obey Mr K. Montgomrie, Bishop of
Glasgow, becaus it is against his conscience and the Word of God ;
and becaus he is an infamous person, a monster, and an idol.
2. Farther, the said Mr Johne sayeth, he remitteth the high
maters to the king and his three estats.
3. And being enquired, how sail the three estats judge, when
the ministers will have one and the first of the three estats putt
away, that is to say, the bishops ? he answereth, Indeid, the mini-
sters would have them away, and suche godlie and true bishops as
Sanct Paul appointeth, to be elected by themselves, occupying
their place in parliament.
4. Granteth his text was out of the Acts of the Apostles, (viz.,
" Whether it be right in the sight of God to obey you rather than
God, judge yee :") and that it was not his ordinarie text, but pur-
poselie taught upon.
5. Granteth that the king's Majcstie's injunctions ought not to
be obeyed, concerning obedience to be givin to Mr R. Montgomrie
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 147
and the bishops ; and that he will never obey Mr R. Montgomrie
whill he liveth.
6. Granteth that he prayed that the king soidd not be abused
by suche godlesse men as Mr R. Montgomrie and others were.
7. Denyeth that there is anie other Head of the church than
Christ ; becaus he is head onHe that can give life to the members.
8. Denyeth that he spake anie thing of the late acts of par-
liament.
9. Denyeth that he spake anie thing against the king, ather in
the excusatioun or accusatioun of his godlesse couusell that in-
formed him wrongfullie, as is aforesaid.
10. Granteth that he spake suche words as, " What could they
have of him but his blood, and his head ?" and that he exhorted his
brethrein to do the Idee as he did.
11. Granteth that he spake. The church would gett a deliver-
ance, and that God had promised the same ; but he wist not how,
nor where.
12. Denyeth that he spake anie thing of a gowke's storme. He
said, indeid, God fought not with a multitude of men.
13. Granteth the specking of the words, We are not so fleyed'
as you thinke ; and, likewise, that he knoweth there is a deliver-
ance to come ; and the deliverance he meant of himself and others,
that they would gett deliverance, ather by life or death.
14. Being enquired what he meant by deliverance of the kirk?
he ansvvereth, Becaus he thought the present state therof boundage
and thraldome.
15. Granteth that he spak likewise of the terrour of the wicked,
at the moving of everie rash bush, and at hors, kyne, and cverie
beast of the feild.
16. He sayeth that the king sail never be judge of the doctrine
preached by the ministers, but to their bodeis in civill maters :
and incace they preache treason in the pulpit, the king, the As-
semblie, and they, to be judge what they preache, and whether it
be treason or not ; and to that effect the king hath power to caus
' Dismayed.
148 calderwood's historie 1584.
the ministers assemble. lie sayeth the apostles deing for suche
doctrine as he taught, he sayeth he would never obey that bishop,
nor suche idjls as have not their calling out of the Word of God.
17. He affirmeth that the king sould be no judge to their doc-
trine ; and that, as God said unto Elias, there are 7000 in Scotland
that have not bowed the knee to Baal. To tell their names he can
not, no more nor Elias could ; and that there were 7000 knowne
to him, and if you please, ten thowsand, that would approve his
doctrine, men, woemen, and ministers.
18. He said he gave no consent to the act of approbatioun of
the Road of Ruthven ; and doubteth what he would have done, if
he had beene present ; for he wist not what it was.
19. And being inquired, how he would like of the deed, where
both the king's Majestic was taikin, and the Duke of Lennox
clmssed away ? answered, that he knew nothing of suche maters ;
but he cannot tell, but that he would have allowed his putting
away, incace it had beene asked him.
20. Inquired, why ? Becaus he heard in Scotland that the duke
was not of sound religioun.
21. He sayeth he disallowed the Road of Stirline more than
twentie times in conference.
22. He sayeth also that he would the Erles of Angus, Marr,
Arran, and Montrose, were altogether freinds about his Majestic.
If his Grace be weill, it is alike to him. It is not the king's voca-
tion, or Lords of Secreit Counsell, to interprete the Scripture, or to
judge upon them, except they were preachers.
PAPISTS INTERTEANED.
A secreit messenger from France came thither, and stayed se-
creitlie in Leith, till Down was sent to fetche him to court. Mr
William Schene and Mr William Bellendine, Jesuits, conferred at
lenth with the king, and obteaned licence for Jesuits to come in
Scotland, with his oversight, if they will stand to the venture of
the popular furie. Fentrie was absolved by the Bishop of Glas-
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 149
gow, and hanted the court. As Papists were thus interteanned, so
were ministers evill handled : for all tenents were discharged by
proclamatioun to pay ministers their stipends for the yeere 1583
and 1584 ; and were charged to give the same to the collector, tiU
the king be farther advised.
Crawfurd and Arran discorded about Lindsey ; so the king's
favour was withdrawin from Crawfurd. But they were reconciled
again, at least in outward shew.
Mr James Melvill, at his arrivall at Berwick, found Mr J. Low-
sone and Mr W. Balcalquall there, who tooke journey within three
or foure dayes after to London. His uncle, Mr Andrew, and Mr
Patrik Forbesse, apparent of Corse, had entered in their journey
two dayes before his arrivall. Mr James stayed at Berwick about
a moneth. After long advisement, he resolved to tak journey to-
ward the south, and to embrace anie conditioun the Lord would
offer, if it were to teache a schoole, and catechise the youth. The
Erles of Angus and Marr wrote to him twise, and desired him to
come and preache to them. He answered, he could not, becaus he
was not entered in the ministrie, and was but a young man of little
experience. The truthe is, he made some scruple to have muche
adoe with them, being the king's rebeUs ; and not knowing the
mysterie of their caus, and dispositioun of their heart. Yitt could
he not but visite them by the way, as he intended to goe to the
south. Therefore, he being at Newcastle, went to the lords, and
visited them. Mr Johne Davidsone, his maister in Sanct An-
dre wes, a man of authoritie in the Word, informed him of all
things ; and shewed unto him that it was the minde, not onlie of the
noblemen, but of the whole brethrein that were gone to the south,
that he sould stay with the noblemen, till that ather they all, or
some of them, at least, returned backe. After this informatioun,
and the earnest dealing of the lords pleading their caus, he re-
solveth to stay with them. Soone after, Mr Davidsone went south,
for he was deteaned onlie till his comming. Mr James sett doun
the order and maner of exercise of the Word, and discipline for cor-
rection of maners, which was to be used in the companie of these
150 calderwood's historie 1584.
noblemen ; how oft they sould heare sermons in the weeke, and on
the Sabboth ; tliat the Commoun Prayer sail be used twise everie
day ; that there sail be one weeke in the moneth dedicated to ab-
stinence and publlct humiliatioun ; that everie Saturday there be a
lecture upon the principall grounds of Christian religioun ; that
everie Tuisday or Thursday suche as sail be chosin elders and
deacons sail conveene, to constitute all things belonging to good
order, and to censure offences and scandals. To this order of exer-
cise in doctrine, prayer, and discipline, was prefixed a pithie and
prolixe exhortatioun. The exhortatioun and directioun was pre-
sented to the noblemen, and weill accepted ; the elders and dea-
cons chosin, the noblemen themselves bearing the place of magi-
strats and rulers, everie one of their owne companie, and all together
of the whole.
They entered in practise of the order sett doun about the be-
ginning of August 1584, and continued thcrin during the time of
their sojourning in England, to the great contentment of the Erie
of Angus, in speciall. This erle travelled with Mr James to sett
doun the abusses and corruptions both of kirk and commoun weale ;
which he did, and presented them to him, when he was in com-
panie Avith the rest : which were read by them, and carefullie
keeped by him in his cofFor, the tenor wherof followeth : —
" CERTANE GREAT ABUSES AND CORRUPTIONS IN THE KIRK AND
COMMOUN WEALE OF SCOTLAND, WHICH PARTLIE THE LATE
MISRULERS HAVE BROUGHT IN, PARTLIE, AS THE HIGH PLACES
IN JUDAII, HAVE REMAINED UNREFORMED UNTO THIS DAY :
GIVIN UP TO THE NOBLEMEN EXILED IN ENGLAND, TO WEYGH
AND CONSIDER, THAT THEY MIGHT BE REPENTED FOR THEIR
PART, AND ENDEAVOURED TO REDRESSE, WHEN IT SOULD PLEASE
GOD TO GRANT ABILITIE AND OCCASION. AT NEWCASTELL, IOtH
AUGUST 1584.
" Jesus Christ, the onlie King of the kirk, with the libertie and
freedorae of his spirituall kingdome, in preaching of the Word and
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 151
exercising of discipline, is brought latelie in most abominable sla-
rerie to the corrupt afFcctiouns of flesh and blood. For, wheras
Christ ought onlle to command and beare rule m the kirk by his
Word and Spirit, and by the ministrie of his lawfullie called offi-
cers and servants, to whom he hath concredit the dispensation of
his heavenlie mystereis, the guiding and feeding of his lambes, with
the keyes of the kingdome of heaven of binding and loosing, the
king taketh upon him to rule and command, als "welll in Christ's
spiritual! kingdome, as in his owne civill. Which is most sacre-
ligious, and worse nor papistical! ; and hath appointed not servants,
but under lords and commanders, whose authoritie and power flow-
eth not from Christ or his kirk, but frome the king, as the bull
givin to the Bishop of Sanct Andrewes plainlie testifieth ; and who
not onlie are most slanderous persons themselves, but also, whose
office hath nothing at all to doe with the Scriptures of God, but is
meere antichristian, to tyrannize over the Lord's inheritance, and
vexe the bodeis and consciences of Christ's flocke : and that which
is most dangerous, and almost desperat, this fearfull and horrible
spoliation of Christ Jesus, and tyrannic over his kirk, is made and
confirmed by plaine lawes in parliament.
" Heereby is the libertie of God's Spirit bound in the mouths of
the preachers, the gift and freedome of cutting and dividing the
Word aright, and applying to everie one their part as they have
need, without spairing of the greatest, becaus of greatest need, so
muche commended in the historic and writtings of the Apostles,
restrained and oppressed ; the raines of discipline, excommunica-
tion, with all the spirituall censures and corrections of the kirk;
electioun, ordinatioun, and privatioun of ministers, appointing of
Assembleis, and giving of warning to the people to eshew plagues,
by fasting and prayer, together with the whole governement of the
hous of God, are putt in the hands of the court and their corrupt
bishops, the which, of all other, have most need of discipline ; who
for their odious crimes are most subject to excommunicatioun and
censures of the kirk, who have nather skill nor will to elect good
and qualified pastors ; who are readie, and more willing to deprive,
152 calderwood's historie 1584.
and putt away the faithfull and edificative, nor the mercenarie and
slanderous ; who, sleeping in their sinnes, have not wakerife eyes
to see the plagues comming, and, therefore, care not for fasting and
prayer ; and, finallie, who being the cheefe corrupters and deformers
of the kirk, can not suffer free Assembleis to be had, for ordering
and reformatioun herof. The rents and revenues of the kirks, the
bread of the ministrie, schooles, and poore, is givin to dogs and
swyne, to the greatest contemners, vexers, and oppressers therof ;
and, in a word, the hous of God is made a denne of theeves, and
the flockes of Christ committed to hyrelings, whom the fcarefull
woolves have at their devotioun.
" The whole bodie of the natioun, and namelie, the greatest mem-
bers therof, who sould be guiders and good exemples to others, are
defiled with sacriledge, sweai'ing, blasphemie, blood, adultereis,
reafe, and oppressioun, &c., so that no mervell it is though the
fleing booke of God's judgements enter in their houses, and con-
sume timber with stone.
" Lawes nather throughlie weill made, for punishement of suche
haynous crimes, and manie weill made want executioun ; like adder-
cope webs/ that take the siUie flees, but the bumbarts" breake
through them.
" By the insatiable sacriligious avarice of erles, lords, and gentle-
men, the kirk, schooles, and poore, are spoiled of that which sould
susteane them ; the materiall kirks ly like sheepe and nolt faulds,
rather than like places of Christian congregations to assemble into.
The parochiners will have a couple of scores of birds to feed their
cattcll, but skarse one pastor to feed three thowsand of their sowles ;
wherof cometh fearefull darkenesse of ignorance, superstitioun, and
idolatrie, with innumerable filthie and execrable sinnes, which pro-
cure God's just vengeance upon the whole land.
" The small number that is of the ministrie can have no cer-
tantie of the poore stipend assigned unto them, but yeerelie it must
be cast in the lords modifiers' hands, and of new shaipped and as-
signed over again, to see how muche may be wonne in to the col-
^ Cobwebs. - Blue-bottle flies.
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. ' 153
lector. Of this cometh that suche who have court and credit,
and await theron, gett weele meekle, naraelie, if they can comport
and flatter others ; and the best gett not for their necessitie.
" There is no provisioun made for the poore relicts and father-
lesse of the ministers ; but notwithstanding their earnest, faithful!,
and most wakerife care over their llockes, which made them to
cast away aU other industrie and vertue, for worldlie provision to
their wives and childrein, they are suifered to beg, and ly in mi-
serie, after their departure.
" The schooles, and, in speciall, the Colledge of Theologie, which
sould be the seminarie of the kirk and ministrie, laiketh provisioun
both for maisters and students. For the whole rents therof, stand-
ing in tithes, are sparpled ^ in sindrie parts and provinces of the
countrie ; and their gentlemen tennents, accustomed to pay a small
silver dutie, will no wise grant to augment, uncompelled by law.
The which the exceptioun of omnium interest stayeth from taking
effect ; so that honest, grave, and learned men, suche as sould be
the professors of theologie, can not have their needfull and honest
sustentatioun. And as for students, the childrein of the great and
riche are not desirous of divinitie ; the midde ranke thinke it an
unthrift to bestow their childrein's bairne's part of geare in sustean-
ing them at the studie of theologie ; and when they have past the
course therof, to have no good rowme or moyen of life prepared
for them in kirk or commoun weale. And as for the poore, which
are commounlie best givin to that studie, and wherof cometh most
fruict to the kirk of Christ, they have nothing to susteane them
with of their owne, nather is there provision of bursars' places
for them : so that no mervell it is, howbeit there be both great
raritie and ignorance amongst the ministrie. And in verie deed,
it is of the extraordinarie benefite of God that there is ather
learning or religion in Scotland ; being tlierin nather foundations
nor moyen to traine up schollers, nor honour and profite for suche
as have atteaned to learnino;.
" Of these cometh it, that the good ingynes, wherof no nation
_^ i 1 Dissipated.
^54 calderwood's historie 1584.
hath greater store than ours, ather are applyed for necessitic to
handle crafts and courting service, or then goe furth of the coun-
trle, where the greatest part are corrupted and abused, and made
most dangerous enemeis to the kirk and estat of their countrle.
" The noblhtle and gentlemen are unlearned themselves, and
take no delyte to have their childrein and freinds brought up In
letters, to the great reproache and shame of the countrie, and their
owne great hurt and dishonour.
" There be manle noblemen and gentle men that have preben-
drels, altarages, and other rents and casualteis, by which they plea-
sure their servants and freinds. In giving them ly verents therof, the
which, if they were a little mended, rightlie used, and made burses
in the schooles of Philosophic and Theologic, everie nobleman
might have a semlnarie of the youth of their owne freinds and ser-
vants, within few yeeres, vvelll instructed in good letters, not onlle
to serve themselves in their houses, but also, their other freinds,
and whole people of their lands and dominions.
" Dllapidators of their benefices, and analiers therof from the
right use, unto their wives, childrein, and freinds, after they are
deposed justlie by the kirk from the office, yitt, neverthelesse, in
despite of God, the kirk, and good order, the prince and the law
make him to possesse the benefice. And incace a hundreth yeeres
since, the labourers or factors had payed victuall, or fortle pennies
money for the boll, if they sett It now in few or long tacks, for
fortle pennies the boll, or change the victuall in silver, it is not
esteemed diminution of the rentall ; albeit the truthe be, that fortle
pennies money now Is diminished in valour sex-fold from that It
was an hundretli yeeres since ; yea, that fortle pennels grow now
toward fortle shillings, and the boll of victuall, which was then
bought for fortle pennies, will not be bought now, coimnunihus an-
7US, for ten times our fortle pennies at this day. Yea, so hath the
great abuse growne, that incace the prcdccessour, being a walstcr
of his benefice, have sett long tacks and fewes, with plaine dlminu-
tioun, and also contcaning just causes of reductloun, there Is no re-
medie to be gottin, although the law be plaine ; becaus judges
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. ^ 155
lawyers, lords, and all, are infected with the same sicknesse, so that
the remeed falleth among impossibihteis, like the Heeland and
Border thift.
" The rents, lands, and livings, of the hospitals, almous-houses,
and maissone-dieues, are likewise tane in few by gentlemen and
burgesses for ryght nought ; in suche sort that their buildings are
all where decayed, and their foundations lost and abolished.
" The poore, partlie for want of their owne patrimonie, and part-
lie for yeerelie increassing of their number, by wrong and oppres-
sioun, goe through the countrie in swarmes, worse nor Turks or In-
fidels, godlesse and lawlesse, without mariage, baptisme, or know-
ledge of duetie to God or man.
" The nobilitie neglect and cast off their publict calling, living,
not as suche as sould have a speciall care and charge of their coun-
trie and commoun weale, and whom God hath called to be coun-
sellers to their king, fathers of the people, and defenders and main-
teaners of his kirk in this cleere light of the Gospell ; for which
calling Christ sail one day call them to accompt ; but rather as
privat men, thinking it eneugh to keepe that which their fathers
have left them, and take their pastyme or pleasure ; or to conqueis
more to their childrein, or to be redoubted of their nighbours, and
play the oppressors and bangsters, &c. As for the ruling of the
commoun weale, holding hand to executioun of justice, reforming
and establishing of the kirk, counselling and assisting of their
prince to that purpose, they care no more therefor, nor so muche,
as may be a pretence for their particulars. So that, where they
sould be rulers and holders of others in good order and duetie, both
in kirk, court, and commoun Aveale, they are become degenerated
slaves to courteours, and corrupters of judges, men of law, and
kirk men, for bringing to passe manie unjust and wrongefull turne ;
or to be suffered to sitt at home for their ease and pastyme, as
though they were borne for their owne bellie, like beasts ; wherof
have proceeded these mischeefes following : —
" Ambassaders of Babel, clients of the Pope, our Athaliah, the
hous of Guise, and the court of Spaine, professed Papists, have
156 calderwood's historie 1584.
beene, and are suffered to cane away the king's heart from the
cheefe professors and mainteaners of the Gospell, to runne a course
direct against religioun, weale of his countrie, and standing of liim-
self in good estate of kingHe honour, bodie and soule. So that it
is thought and spokin, that the unduetifulnesse and negUgence of
the nobiHtie hath endangered, and ahnost lost that rare perle of so
notable expectatioun. Debaushed men, godlesse ilatterers, who
have sold themselves in bodie and conscience to doe anie thing for
worldlie preferment, were suffered to insinuat themselves in the
king's favour, who, with violence, outragious pride, craft, falshood,
and flatterie, were meete to execute the platt layed doun by the
Papists, and now ungratefullie, indeid, and unjustlie, upon the part
of men, imployed to wracke their advancers, but in respect of God
most justlie to punishe the oversight of the nobilitie ; yea, their de-
generated hearts, who cared not for pm'chassing of their particu-
lars, to become servants and courters of flattering courteours, and
permitt the whole governement of the commoun weale to be cast
louse, and turne in tyrannic, to their just deserved wracke in the
end.
" Of this hath sprung the absolute power, whereby, as a monster
never heard of in anie just governement, the whole priviledges of
the three estats of the realme is weakened, and almost taikin aAvay.
By the which estats, according to the lovable custome of the king-
dome of Scotland from the beginning therof, all things with ma-
ture deliberatioun, free reasoning, and voting, Avere done, and by
the which, kings passing their bounds, to the wracke and oppres-
sion of the commoun weale, were corrected and brought in order.
In like maner, the priviledges of touns and universiteis, yea, of the
holie kirk itself, established by so manie good rulers and parlia-
ments, according to the Word of God, are overthrowne. All the
judgements of the realme, Secreit Counsell, Sessioun, Justice
Courts, Consistoreis, Shireffs' Courts, Proveists, Bailiffes, and
others, are ruled not by law, civil or municipall, right or reasoun,
sed Principis placitum lerjis hahet vigorem. It is the king's will : for
now, Captan James, as Stratocles in Athens, hath made a law, that,
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 157
Wliatsoever the king commandeth, that is holie toward God and just
anent man.
" From thence are so manie score of slaughters and murthers,
heirships and oppressiouns, lying on the heed of the king and
backe of the countrie, crying to the heavens for just vengeance
from the righteous God. For as everie one hath moyen at com't,
so Cometh his mater to passe ; and becaus the com't is godlesse and
wicked, the most ungodlie and wicked find the greatest moyen
therin. Wherof it cometh that the wicked thus triumphe, and the
good and godlie are oppressed and wracked, so that no mervell it
is to see the countrie thus plagued, yea, howbeit it sould utterlie
perishe in God's righteous judgements.
" The king's patrimonie and casualteis are greathe hurt and
abused, which causeth not onlie his povertie, to the great shame of
the countrie, and hinderance of commoun workes, but also so
manie intolerable taxations, exactions, and imposts, to be made
upon his subjects, to the tyning of their hearts, and wracke of the
poore labourers. For lords, lairds, and prelats, exact twise so
muche from their poore tennents upon this occasioun.
" Of the forenamed papisticall course, and this, come so manie
forefaultreis, and banishment of the best and most noble men of the
realme, selling of slaughters and blood, great summes of composi-
tion exacted for no fault but weill doing. The which all of God's
judgements tume to mischeefes, whiU as by the devilish seducters
it is abused to execut all kinde of violence against the good men
of the land."
Mr Andrew Melvill about this time wrote to the kirk of Geneve
and Zurich, to informe them of the estat of our kirk, wherin the
pretended bishop, Mr Patrik Adamsone, was painted out in his
colours. The letter, as it was translated by Mr James Melvill his
nephew, out of Latine, I have heere sett doun as followeth : —
158 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1584.
"To the most E-everend Fathers, and our most loving Brethrein
in the Lord Jesus, the Pastors of the Kirk of Geneve and
Tigure.
'•' It is now almost 25 yeeres (reverend fathers in God, and
brethrein in the Lord, most worshipfull) since that grave and
learned men, and (that which is cheefe) burning with wise and
sincere zeale of the glorie of God and health of his kirk, informed
with your precepts, and instructed with your exemples, have in the
first planting of our kirks, conjoyned with the puritie of doctrine
the holinesse of discipline. And that their uniform e [^consent and
agreement in all points, witnessed to the whole world, might be
left to the posteritie, they subscrived your Confessioun. In the
footsteps of which godlie and renowned men, w^e therafter insist-
ing, have nixt, after the heavenlie oracles of the Word of God, fol-
lowing the doctrine and constitution of your kirk, keeped the same
course unto this present day ; and further, also, leaning on the
mercie and goodnesse of our God, and on the strenth of his Holie
Spirit, we doubt not constantlie, without weareing, to hold the
same to the end. Of the which our purpose, and constant agree-
ment with you in doctrine and discipline, we have found of God's
goodnesse the fruict, that during so manie yeeres no heresie hath
sprung up in our kirks ; none come from other places have taikin
roote, entered anie thing deepelie, or remained anie space of time
in the heart of anie man, muclie lesse to have growin up or creeped
abroad. No obstinat Papist, or trespasser, publictlie knowne, hath
it suffered long to converse among us, untane order with. So it
hath pleased the Lord to blesse the labours of his servants, under-
taikin according to the direction of his Word ; and unto this day
to heape so greate and incredible happinesse, of his owne singular
goodnesse, upon the congregations of Scotland.
" But in the meane time, alace ! whill as we answered not unto so
great and rare a grace and goodnesse of God toward us, by that
thankefulnesse of minde, obedience to his Word, and diligence in
our dueteis that became us, behold, of the fearefull judgement of
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 159
God, (but incleid justlie deserved,) Satan so blinded with avarice
and ambitioun one, not of us, albeit among us, bearing the office of a
minister, that forgetting, as sayeth the poet, both his owne shame
and the health of his brethrein, and that which is more miserable,
casting off all good conscience, and making shipwracke of his faith,
goeth fordward without ceasing to mixe heaven with earth, and
Avith utter confusion to trouble all things. For when he had left
his flocke, and, unwitting of the kirk, had creeped in court ; when
he had not onlie, with subtile craft and policie, intruded himself
in the estate of false bishops, (of new sprung up again from the
hells, the which he had oppugned of before,) but also, had taikin
plainlie unto him that false usurped authoritie which in his sermons
publictlie he had damned ; w^hich openlie, in a most frequent As-
semblie Generall of the kirk, he had often times abjured, and which,
by sindrie subscriptions and hand-writts, he had renounced and
givin over ; when, as he had addicted himself to the most vile ser-
vitude and slaverie, and with the sworne enemeis to the good estat
of the countrie, kirk, and religioun, in a most filthie cans joyned
and banded himself; when that, in doubtfull maters, and desperat
health of his bodie, he had not onlie consulted with witches con-
cerning the estat of the king and countrie, but also for releefe of
his sickenesse he had earnestlie sought the helpe and support of
devilrie and witchecraft ; when that, after a stubburne silence from
preaching the space of a whole yeere, (under cloke of sicknesse
and infirmitie,) he had (to foster and stirre up the pernicious aiFec-
tiouns of the court) made two turbulent and seditious sermons ;
when he had, with the Machiavilians of the court, and the Pope's
traffiquers at home, devised most cruell counsells against the lives,
lands, and estats of the best and most zealous noble men, and
others good gentlemen and subjects of the countrie ; when he had
done manie other things, which nather time suffereth, and shame
forbiddeth to write ; and now, Mdien formall processe upon the fore-
named most odious and haynous crimes Avas led and deduced
against him before the presbytereis and assembleis, and for that
caus, after that he was inhibited, as most slanderous, and unworthie
160 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1584.
to use the functioun of the ministrie untill the time that the last
censure of the kirk might strike upon him, to cutt him off from the
bodie of the same, as a most contagious and corrupt member, — he
obteaneth a free legacie from his Majestic to passe to other nations,
where, under pretence and cloke of curing his diseases, and seeking
of his health, he made moyen all the meanes and wayes he could,
as his verie deeds have declared, to vexe and trouble the ku'k, the
which now he had layed in his heart to slay and destroy as his
deedlie enemie.
" Yee will give us, as we hope, this leave (reverend fathers and
brethrein in the Lord) in the cans of God and his kirk simplie and
plainlie to deale with you ; for that onlie All-searcher of the hearts
is witnesse that we yeeld nothing in this present narratioun to our
privat affectiouns, but rather passe over manic things of sett pur-
pose, which the cans itself requireth. In Londoun, then, letting
himself out as ambassader for his Majestic, he thifteouslie in-
treatted often times, of secreit purposes, with the ambassaders of
France and Spaine ; with our nighbour bishops (for there amongst
our nighbours he remained, nather purposed he at the beginning
to goe anie farther) he had conference. By which he traduced the
best of our nobilitie and subjects, as seditious and treasonable. He
gave himself to suche devices and counsells, by the strenth and
effect wherof all this time the most learned and faithfull pastors in
both the kingdoms are forced, ather whollle to keepe silence and
leave the ministrie ; or then by flight and exile to save their lives ;
or ellis to assay the filthie wearinesse of stinking prissons ; or then
of necessitie to doe that which onlie remaineth against their duetie
and conscience, to subscrive to the ambitious tyrannic of the false
bishops, and to the impietie of manic corrupt rites and ccremoncis .
Of this Cometh these archi-episcopall letters writtin to you and the
brethrein of Tigure, by which that mervellous cunning and fyne
artificer in faining and dissembling what he will, both doeth bur-
thein us with false and forged crimes, and bringeth the governc-
raent of our kirk, traduced by manic calumneis, into doubt and
questioun : albeit he is lesse ignorant than anie man ; and our
1584. OF THE KIKK OF SCOTLAND. 161
owne consciences beare us record, us to have preassed earnestlie to
tliat, that the discipline of the kirk might be taikin out of the
Word of God so farre as could be, and that it sould not passe a
jott from the judgement of your kirks.
" Whei-efore, lyke as it sould be superfluous to us to open up and
declare our judgement unto you, namelie, concerning maters of dis-
cipline, seing whatsoever we have in that mater we willinglie and
plainlie confesse to have receaved it of you, and that we altogether
agree with you in all points, (so mervellouslie doe our mindes and
wills, by the vertue of God's Spirit, consent in an harmonic ;) so will
Ave not, for feare both of temeritie and impudence) prescrive unto
you anie forme of ansAvering, or maner of writting againe to the
bishop's letters and questions. Of this onlie, at this time, Avould
Ave have you perswaded, that the good order of the kirk, the which
Adamsone durst first undermyne secreitlie, and therafter openlie
impugne, and now at last wickedlie calumniat, faithleslie man-
sweare, and maliciouslie to deteast as Papall tyrannic, mother of
confusioun, and faggot of seditioun, hath beene receaved within
our kirk, conforme to the Word of God and maner of the constitu-
tions of your kirk, ever since the first time that Papistrie was
chassed away ; and incontinent approved by the vots of the Avhole
estats of the countrie in parliament, and peece and peece, at last,
by the mercie of God, hath beene brought to some mediocritie of
perfectioun ; so farre at the least as the smalnesse of that measure
Avhich God hath bestowed upon us may atteane unto ; and A\hich,
these yeeres agoe, hath beene approved, sealed up, and ratified
by the professioun of the mouth, (the holie and fearefull oath of
the Lord interponned,) and subscription of the hand of the king
himself, and everie one of his subjects, great and small, of what
order, ranke, or estat so ever they Avere, and that by the expresse
letters patents of his Majestic, commanding all and sindrie, under
the highest paine, to doe the same.
'• Now, although these things be so in verie deed as is declared,
and this our discipline be corroborated by diverse and manifold use
and experience (maister of fooles) in all parts, and in everie occa-
A'OL. IV. L
H)2 caldehavood's iiistokik 15.s1.
sioun fhllin out contiimalHc these 25 yeeres bypast, neverthelesse,
the adversai", after he had made the most godlie and stout, als weill
of the nobilitie as of inferiour estats, who had beene the speciall
instruments of God in the defence and establishment of religioun
and the caus of the king, by conduced and suborned accusers,
vvailled' out of the number of suche men who had sold themselves
in soule and bodie to worke all kinde of iniquitie and villanie for
worldlie preferment, and by false forged crimes most craftilie and
deceatfullie layed upon them, ather to be accused of their lives and
want the head, or to be apprehended and cast in prisson, banished,
and forefaulted, to the intent that none sould be left to gainstand
their godlesse course : this adversar, I say, caused the king's Ma-
jestic incontinent, and these papisticall Epicureans and bloodie clients
of the house of Guise and queene mother, (by which his Grace is
holdiu in fearefull bonds and abuse,) to convocat a parliament of
the three estats of the countrie, to bring the samine into vile and
bound slaverie. For nather durst they reasoun of the maters pro-
pouned, nor therafter give their votes and judgements freelie, ac-
cording to the wonted libertie of the estats of Scotland, the laud-
able governement of our natioun ; but in a new and most strange
maner (the king's will being made a law and reason for all things)
the presbytereis are uttcrlie perverted, the pseudo-episcopall
tyrannic restored, the king by a plaine law receaveth a full and
absolute power to command and rule in maters als weill ecclesias-
ticall as civill, the sentences of excommunication, lawfuUie pro-
nounced by the presbytereis, by their authoritie, is disanulled, and
declared to be of no force nor effect ; and, finallie, all ecclesiasticall
jurisdictioun, and nixt, under the king, all i)ower of ruling in tlie
kirk is givin to the false bishops, which were of before when the
kirk stood, ather mostjustlie excommunicated, or lying under the
processe of the kirk's censures, as knowne most slanderous and un-
honest persons throughout all the countrie.
" Among which, the cheefe captan and ruler, even the author,
forger, and cheefe executer of all this wickednesse, is Patrik Adam-
sone, tlic false Bishop of Sanct Andrewes, who staying upon his
' Selected.
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1G3
perpetuall and pontificall Dictatura, mervellous it is how craftilie
he rageth against the pastors of the kirk. For both he propyneth
certan articles skartecU together by liim, or rather blotts of that
comelinesse and order which sould be in Christ's kirk, drawin
newlie out of the dregs of the cuppe of Antichrist, unto the lawful!
pastors to drinke, and als, by the authoritie of the king, obtrudeth
them to be subscrived, under the paine of banishement, incarcera-
tion, or depriving of them from the ministrie. By the which ar-
ticles, both that libertie of preaching the Word (being oppressed)
is attempered unto the lusts and pleasures of men ; and state of
publict prayer, with the simplicitie of rites in ministration of the
sacraments, and celebrating of mariage, is filthilie adulterated, and
manie other things against the expresse Word of God are commit-
ted. He hath piteouslie destroyed the colledge, a five yeeres since,
at command of the king, and by a speciall act of parliament, con-
secrated to holie erudition and vertue ; that onelie one anti-semi-
narie of the knowledge of the tongues, and sincere theologie in all
the realme of Scotland, sett doun and planted against the manifold
seminareis of the bissie Jesuits ; casting out therof all the profes-
sors and students, and spoiling the Bibliotheck and writtings ther-
of; it not being obscure what Satan purposeth by this doing, to
witt, that the light of heavenlie knowledge being extinguished, we
be involved againe in the mist and darkenesse of Jesuiticall sophis-
trie ; that we who beganne in the Spirit may end in the flesh ; that
the vineyarde of the Lord, spoiled of the safeguarde and defense
of his hedge, might be eatin up of wilde beasts ; and, finallie, the
walls of Jerusalem cast doun, the sanctuarie may be burnt and de-
filed. Unto the holie peace, concord, and unitie with our nigh-
bours, to whose freindship we are joyned so straitlie, first by the
bonds of religioun, libertie, and conqueist therof, by their speciall
helpe and meanes, and therafter confirmed with manifold benefites,
they prefer the favour of the Gwisians, and the rest of the mon-
strouous Eeadeakens,^ who celebrated that bloodie drunken feast of
' Scratched
- Or Redettins, the Ogres of the nursery tales of the period.
104 cai.ih:kw()od's histokie 1584.
Barthleraew in Parise, with that horrible butcherie of the holie
martyrs of God, the wliich our court now affirmeth justlie to have
beene massacred. Yea, they have perswaded our Joas to rcceave
in Athahah in the associatioun and fellowship of the 8cei)tre and
crowne, without whose good will, benedictioun, and full deliver-
ance, they contend, that nather can he happilie raigne, and law-
fullie at home, nor obteane the impyre of the whole lie of Britaine.
By the bloodie counsell and direction of which Athaliah, all things
have proceeded since Monsieur Aubigney's first comming in Scot-
land, in suche sort that, according therto, three yeeres agoe the
Erie of Morton, llegent of Scotland, and now latelie the Erie of
Gowrie, both most stout and valiant avengers and defenders of re-
ligioun and the king's caus, by the sentence of corrupted judges
were circumveencd and o[)pressed ; at Avhose i)leasurc and will
(albeit captive) the best nobilitie and peeres of the land, the frack-
cst' and most zealous in rellgioun, indicia causa, unheard, are for-
faulted, appointed for the slaughter, and draw in to the gibbets and
commoun places of executioun, and all their goods and gear, as the
clothes of the innocent to the hangman, are givin to the soullesse
client of Gwise and Athaliah. The which mercilesse men, with
the goods and geir of the noblest, best, and most innocent, as with
the spoile of their enemeis, are gorgeouslie arrayed and accoin-
paneid warlike with a sort of lymmars and godlesse souldiers, most
fearefull and dolorous to the good and godlie, and profitable and
pleasant to the vmgodlie and wicked. They abrogat and breake
God's lawes, and make wrong and unjust, and putt them sharpelie
in execution. So that in no place ever could that be more truelie
spokin : —
^' Jam late impietas grassatur libera ; passim
Omnia plena malis.
Cum penes injustos jus est, et jussa malorum
Sunt metucnda bonis.
' Most active.
1584. OF THE KIIIK OF SCOTLAND. 165
Now rageth lowse ungodlinesse in land ;
In everle place all is ill and molest,
Whill as the right is in the wrangfull hand,
And worst men's lawes are feai-ef'ull to the best.
" See now, although we sould keepe silence, (Reverend Fathers,
and most loving brethrein in the Lord,) what meane the questions
of Adamsone tuiching the power of the prince in making ecclesias-
tical! lawes, and constituting of the policie of the kirk ; in convo-
cating of Synods and Generall Assembleis, and proclaiming of fasts ;
to witt, that nothing be so sure and sacred among us which by the
wickednesse of these mischant men sail not be violated and undone.
He knoweth weill eneugh, nather can he be ignorant of that which
he hath so often read and learned of your most godlie writtings,
that it perteaneth not to the prince ather to prescrive religioun to
the kirk or discipline to the pastors therof, but by his authoritie
to confirme both the one and the other, appointed by God, and
sincerelie declared out of his Word by the ministrie of his servants ;
to revenge and punishe all corrupting of cleane doctrine, contempt
of holie discipline, and perturbation of lawfull order, (for which use
and purpose he hath receaved the sword ;) to decore the Assem-
bleis, if need be, with his presence ; to arme the innocencie of the
ministrie by his safe-guarde and defence ; if there arise controver-
seis among the pastors sometimes to compose and agree the same
by his authoritie interpouned ; to promo ve, by good lawes made
for that efftct, these things which are lawfullie constituted by the
Assembleis, and to doe manie other things for the weale of the
kirk which were long to rehearse, and unneedfull. But farre
otherwise doeth he sitt in the synods among the pastors than he
doeth in the throne of the kingdom among the estats : heere to
make lawes for subjects and command, but there to receave lawes
from God and to obey. And albeit that some things be called
ecclesiasticall, and other things civill, and the civill apperteane to
the commoun weale, and the other to the kirk ; yitt it is not so
muche to be considered what things are handled, as how, seing the
IGG CxVLDEUWOUl/s lllt^TOKiE 158-1.
knowledge of one unci the self-same thing- one way, und in some
respect, ap])erteaneth to the magistrat, and another way to the
senat ecclesiasticall. And yitt snche a mater nather doeth the
kirk civillie, nor the counsell or parliament ecclesiasticallle intreat ;
af-Xa yy.av/.ac iig 'Adrjvag — salt to Dysert, or coles to Newcastell.
" And as tuiching the convention of the nobilitie at Ruthven, and
the judgement of tlie Assemblie anent that mater, what need is
there to write? The holiest and best part of the nobilitie and
estats of the realme, without anie tumult or slaughter, apprehend-
ing and putting in prisson one or two wicked men, removed a pest
from the commoun weale, a sure mischeefe from the kirk, and de-
livered the king from present danger both of bodie and soule.
The king called a conventioun of the estats ; he declared the dan-
ger Avherin himself, the kirk of God, and commoun wealth, was
brought in by the counsell of wicked men ; he commended the
faithfulnesse and stoutnesse of the nobilitie who had delivered his
Majestic, the kirk, and conmioun weale, from so present a danger;
free and grave sentences and votes are given ; all with one voice
commend the deid : an act is made by the Assemblie, by which the
conveening of the nobilitie at Ruthven is approved as good service
done for king and commoun weale. And at the same time, the
Generall Assemblie of the kirk Avas conveened, unto which was
sent from the noblemen that tooke so good a worke in hand, to
purge them from the calumneis of evill w^illers, and from all sus-
picioun of privat factiouns and seditioun ; and to notifie and approve
the deid to the Assemblie, and all good men. There is also sent
to the Assemblie one or two commissioners from the king ; from
the Assemblie also unto the king there is directed likewise some
of the brethrein, with his Majestie's commissioners, to understand
the king's owne minde in that mater, and report it again to the
brethrein. In the king's owne name and words, it is reported
to the Assemblie again that his Majestic acknowledged himself, the
commoun weale, and the kirk of God, to be releeved of a most
great and extreme danger, and for that cms thanked God hcartilie ;
and willed the Assemblie, and everie one of the brethrein, accord-
1581. OF THE KlUK Oi-' SCOTLAND. 167
ing to their office, diligentlie to travel!, that the eoimuoiin danger
being removed by the stoutnesse of the nobilitie, the worke of de-
liverance begunne, sould be boldlie prosecuted and perfyted, so
that, both in their prayers to God, and sermons in publict to the
people, they sould have in speciall recommendation so good, so
holie, and so wholesome a cans of the king, kirk, and commoun
weale. The Assemblie obeyed, and gave thanks to God in a sin-
gular maner for hearing the prayers of the kirk, which had beene
powred out with a solemne fast and humiliatioun a little before the
deliverance frome the sworne souldiour of the house of Gwise, and
our Athalia, Aubigney being captan to them Avho had so sorelie
oppressed the king's Majestic, kirk, and commoun weale, with a
mistie night of captivitie and blacke darknesse of shamefull servi-
tude. And this is that which our good bishop exagitateth, to
bring the brethrein in hatred and invy ; who ashameth not before
you to plead the cans of the Papists, whom lie can not suffer to
be compted for goats by the true pastors, whose office is to feed the
lambs of Jesus Christ. But the bearer preasseth us, and, perad-
venture, this is over muche, namelie, unto you Avho are acquainted
-\vith the smelling out of the craft and subtilitie of suche woolves.
And, therefore, in end, we pray you, both in your privat and pub
lict prayers, to commend to our commoun Father the kirks in both
the countreis ; for the greatest part is destitued of their pastors,
and so exponed to the incursion of bloodie woolves ; and that yee
v,ould in this great darknesse shyne before us by your faithfull
counsell, who, sore against our will, are pulled aAvay from our owne
deere flockes."'
Mr David Lindsey, minister at Leith, being in waird at Black-
nesse at this time, dreamed the dreamc following : —
THE SUMME OF THAT WHICH I DREAMED, SO NEERE AS I CAN
REMEMBER, BOTH THE FIRST AND SECOND NIGHT.
" The first night there appeared unto me a personage high in
the aire, the sunne verie bright above his head and cleare, a full
168 calderwood's iiistorie 1584.
moone under his feete, bright starres about him ; whose visage and
portraicture I was not able to behold for the great light that shynned
about him. From him there came one like a man of great and
hideous stature, clothed all in reid, having in his right hand a reid
sword, in his left hand a roll of paper rolled up, and under his feete
a great fire, who appeared to me to stand above the Castell of
Edinburgh, and sindrie persons looking upon him there.
'^ The secund night, I saw onlie this reid man with the sword and
roll of paper, and fire under his feete, but after a farre greater sta-
ture than at the first time ; and I thought I was in a valley, where
I saw Edinburgh, Dumbar, Hadinton, Dalkeith, and sindrie other
touns which I knew, with a large bounds betuixt them. And this
reid man appeared to me in the aire, in the middest of them, and
to crie with a loud voice, ^ Metuant stulti, sapientea resipisccuit ; ap-
propinquat judicium /' Therafter, I saw a certane number gather
themselves together, crying, * Justus es, Domine, et judicia tua
recta : miserere nostri, et protege vos, sub umbra alarum tuarumJ
After this, the reid man openeth up the roll of paper, specking with
a mightie voice, ' Adest judex ; ubi est contemptor Dei, sacrilegus^
blasphemus, adulter T with a great number of other vices ; and hav-
ing read the roll, pronounceth this sentence, ' Odistis lucem, tene-
bras eligistis : diu toleravi, nunc inndicabo.' With this, he striketh
a certane space with the sword, and all the streets of the touns,
and feelds, appeared to me full of blood. Shortlie therafter, an-
other sentence, '- Domi vorabit pestis, extra, vaUabit gladius, undique
jiagrabit ignis' With this, 1 thought I saw the streets and feilds
full of deid carcases, the doores of sindrie houses open, and dead
persons in them, some of byles, some of plowkes, and a fire enter-
ing the toun, and a voice everie where crying, ' Dies ira, etfuroris
Jehovce r At the last, I heare the sound of a bell, after the which,
the first companie that came together came to a kirk, where the
man clothed in reid clothes spake these words unto them : ' Timeant
sapientes : iniquitatem fugite, diligite justitiam et judicium, aut cito re-
vertar, et tunc posteriora erunt pejora prioribus ; and all the people
cried, ' Amen !' With this I wakenned, and suddanlie start out of
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 169
my bed, and came to one of the windowes of my chamber, where
I heard a bell rinoing;, ather in Culrosse or Dumfermline."
George Drummond of Blair being wairded in the Castell of
Edinburgh, of purpose to try what he could learne, was within a
certane space sett at libertie. Then Arran made a fashioun of ap-
prehending him, the king being advertised by the Erie of Craw-
furd, that the said Georoe and the Proveist of Glencludden sould
have taikin the Castell of Edinburgh, with consent and knowledge
of the constable, and sould have slaine the Erie of Arran.
THE SUMME OF THE EXAMINATION OF GEORGE DRUMMOND GF
BLAIR, IN PRESENCE OF THE LORDS OF SECREIT COUNSELL AT
EDINBURGH, THE LAST OF JULIE, AND FALKLAND, THE FOURTH
OF AUGUST 1584.
" George Drummond of Blair, inquired and examined, declareth,
That he being in waird in the Castell of Edinburgh, and finding
Mr Robert Dowglas, Proveist of Glencludden, in the same waird,
they fell often times in conference upon the occasioun of their
keeping in waird ; talking how they may best find out the way of
their owne libertie, to alter the present estat, and to cutt away the
Erie of Arran, as him whom they thought the author of their
trouble : and hearing of some mislyking of the Erie of Crawfurd,
thought meete to tempt him to take part in their devised inter-
prise, and to assist the noblemen and others now exiled in Eng-
land. The deponer desired to know of the Proveist of Glenclud-
den, who would deale with the Erie of Crawfurd ? that he sould
be a man of credit ; and upon what heeds ? The pi'oveist willed
the said George, to shew my lord, that the Maister of Glames sould
putt a blanke in my Lord Lindseye's hand, submitting all maters
debatable betuixt the Erie of Crawfurd and the said Maister, to
suche as sould be nominated, or anie other good securitie he pleased.
Which the said George having reported to the Erie Crawfurd,
found him to mislyke of the Erie of Arran, and of the present estat
of governement of the court ; and reported the effect of their con-
170 oaldeuwood's nisTOKii: 1584.
ference again to the said Proveist of Glencludden, declaring, that
the Erie of Crawfurd was, in effect, wonne to their partie. At
which time, the proveist shewed an advertisement come out of
England, declaring how the Hammiltons, Dowglasses, and others
now banished in England, were agreed, and that they were content
that the said blanke sould be subscrived, and delivered in my Lord
Lindseye's hands. Further, the said George declareth, that the
cutting off of the Erie of Arran sould have beene ather as he past
to the borders, or in his returning therefra, but rather in his re-
tiuniing. It was spokin betuixt them, that the king would seeke
the wracke of suche as meddled in that mater ; yitt was it an-
swered and concluded, better to wracke at libertie, nor where they
were. They thought the cutting off of the Erie of Arran was
eneugh to remedie all the mater, and seven or eight score speeres
lighting at once in Edinburgh, was eneugh to tak the toun ; and
he being dispatched, they tooke little thought for the rest. The
deponer mislyked als farre of the Erie of Arran as anie man did,
seing he could not gett his favour ; yitt my I^ord CraAvfurd Avould
have knowne further, if he had biddin, and dealt with the men
that sould have had the power. The deponer understood, by con-
ference with the Proveist of Glencludden, that he had dealing with
England long before the letter Avhich he shewed to this deponer ;
and at his last meeting with the said proveist in the castell, de-
clared that he was boun to write to England. The said letter and
advertisement came from the Erie of Angus.
"Extract by me, Alexander Hay, Clerk of our soveran Lord's
Kegister."
THE CASTELL OF EDINBURGH DELIVERED TO ARRAN.
The proveist being examined, denied, and offered the combat to
George Drummond. Albeit nothing could be objected against the
Maister of Marr, yitt it was concluded in counsell that he sould
deliver the castell. Arran thought not himself sure without it. So,
upon the king's charge, the Maister of Marr delivered the castell
to Arran, the eight of August.
1581. OF THE KIKK OF SCOTLAND. 171
There was a meetting appointed to be keeped betweeiie the Lord
Hounsdane, Wardane of the East Marches in England, and the
Erie of Arran, drawin on by Johne Hume of Manderston, and
Cuthbert Armourer, Englishman, both huntsmen to the king. The
forme of the meetting, and summe of their conference, may be ga-
thered out of the letter following, writtin by the Lord Hounsdane
to Sir Francis Walsinghame, knight, principall Secretarie to the
Queen of England.
" Sir, — According to my former letters tuiching my meeting
with the Erie of Arran upon Wedinsday last, there came hither to
me from the erle the Justice-Clerk and Sir William StcAvart,
Captan of Dumbartane, both of the king's Privie Counsell, to treate
with me about the order of our meeting, referring whollie to me to
appoint the place, the houre, and the number we sould meete Avith
all. So, as we concluded the place to be Foulden, the houre to be
ten a clocke, and the number with our selves to be thritteen of a
side, and the rest of our troupes to stand eache of them a myle
from the toun, the one upon the one side, the other upon the other
side, so as our troupes were two myle a sunder. I was not manie
horsemen, but I suppleed it with footemen, wherof I had 100 shott
on horse : but they were verie neere 500 horse, weill appointed.
" According to which appointment we mett yesterday ; and, after
some congratulations, the erle fell in the like protestatiouns of his
good will and readinesse to serve the queen's Majestic, before anie
prince in the world nixt his soverane, as he hath done heeretofore
by his letter, and rather more, with suche earnest vowes, as, unlesse
he be worse than a devill, her Majestic may dispose of him at her
pleasure. This being ended, I entered with him tuiching the caus
I had to deale with him, and so neere as 1 could, left nothing un-
rehearsed that I had to charge the king or him with anie unkinde
dealing towards her Majestic, according to my instructiouns ;
which without anie delay he answered presentlie, as yee sail per-
ceave by the said answeres sent heerewith. But I replying unto
him, he amplified them with manie moe circumstances ; but to this
effect. Then I dealt with him tuiching the point for her Majestic's
172 calderwood's histokik 1o84.
satisfaction, for the uttering of suche practises as havebeenelatelie
sett on foote, for the disquietting of her Majestic and her estat ;
who thex'of made sindrie discourses, Avhat niariages have beene of-
fered to his Majestic by sindrie princes, and by what nieanes the
erle hath sought to divert them, and upon what causes : the one,
for that by mareing with Spaine or France, he must also alter his
religioun ; Avhich, as he is sure the king will never doe, so will he
never suffer him to hearken unto it, so long as he hath anie credit
with him. He denyeth not but the king hath beene dealt with
all by practises, to deale against her Majestic, which he hath so
farre denyed and refused to enter into, as they have left dealing
with him therin ; but whatsoever the king or he knoweth therin,
there sail be nothing hid from her Majestic, as her Majestic sail
know verie shortlie. Surelie, it seemeth by his speeches that if the
king Avonld have yeelded thereto, there had beene no small corn-
panic of Frenche in Scotland ere noAV to disquiett her Majestic.
" This being ended, I dealt with him earnestlie, for the stay of
this parliament which now approacheth, oi*, at the least, there may
be nothing done therin to the prejudice of these noblemen, and
others now in England, for the forfaulting of their livings and
goods. Heerupon he made a long discourse to me, first, of the
Erie of Angus' dealing about the Erie of Morton ; then of his
going out, notwithstanding of sindrie gracious offers the king had
made him ; then of the Road of Ruthven, how that, presentlie
after they had the king's Majestic in their hands, they imprissoun-
ed himself, [and] dealt with the king for putting the duke out of
the realme. The king refusing so to doe, they told him plainlie,
that if he would not, he sould have the Erie of Arran'e head in a
dish. The king asked. What offence the erle had made? and they
answered. It must be so, and sould be so. Heerupon, for the safe-
guardc of Arran's life, the king was contented to send away the
duke, and yitt Arran [was] afterward sindrie times in danger of
his life.
" I alledged to him the king's letter to the queen's Majestic,
and his acts in counsell, that they had done nothing but for his
1584. OF THE KIKK or ISCOTLAKD. 173
service, aud with his good Ijking and contentment : who answered
me, he durst doe no otherwise, nor could not doe anie thing, but
that which pleased them ; with suche a number of other their deal-
ings Avith the king, whill he was in their hands, as are too long to
be Avrittin, and too bad, if they be true. I said, the king might
have lettin the queen's Majestie's ambassader have knowne his
minde secreetlie, and her Majestic Avould have releeved him. He
ansAvered, that the king Avas not ignorant that his apprehensioun
in that maner proceeded from Mr Bowes' practise, and thereby
durst not impart so muche to him ; and yitt the king Avas con-
tented, and did give remissioun to als manieas AA'ould acknoAvledge
their faults, and aske remissioun ; and suche as Avould not, he
thought fitt to banishe them for a time, to try their further loyaltie.
In Avhich time they conspired the king's secund apprehensioun,
and the killing of the erle and others, and seduced the ministers to
their factioun : and yitt, not satisfeid with these conspiraceis aud
treasonable dealings, {as he termeth them,) are entered into a thrid,
being in England under her Majestie's protecticun, to dishonour
her Majestic ala farre as in them lyeth ; or, at least, to cans the
king conceave some unkindenesse in her Majestic, for harbouring
of them. I wrote unto you Avhat the conspiracie Avas ; the taking
of the kinjr, killino: of the Erie of Arran and some others, the taik-
ing of the Castell of Edinburgh, and fetching home of the cries, to
take the chai-ge of the king ; ' all Avhich,' sayeth he, ' is by Drum-
mond confessed, and by the Proveist of Glencludden not greatlie
denyed ; and the Constable of the castell therupon fled.'
" The erle brought Drummond with him als farre as Langton,
Avhere he lay, to have confessed this conspiracie before me. But
having at his lighting receaved a blow on the leg Avith a hors, so
as he could bring him no farther ; I replyed, that I thoght, verilie,
that they Avould not Avorke anie suche practises, in respect of the
queene's Majestic abiding AN'ithin her realme ; and if there be anie
suche practises, they have proceeded from others, and they not
privie imto them ; and that if it be not appearandlie proA^ed against
them, that it will be thought to be some practise, to aggravat their
174 calderwood's tustorik 1584.
fault, and to make them the more odious to the king. lie an-
swered me, that it soukl be proved so sufficientlie, that they soukl
not be able with truthe to denle it : for their owne hands is to be
shewed to part of it. And, therefore, concluded that if her Majestie
sould preasse the king for them at this time, that would rather
hinder tliis mater of the amitie nor further it ; and that, since they
seeke clieefelie his Hfe, he could not, in reasoun, seeke to doe them
anie good. And, besides, he assured me, that if he would, he
darre not ; this last mater being fallin out as it is. And, surelie,
if this mater had not fallin out, I would not have doubted the re-
storing of the Erie of Marr, verie shortlie, if her Majestie would
have imployed me therin. But for the Erie of Angus, I perceave
the king is perswaded that both he and the rest of the Douglasses
have conceaved so mortall an hatred against him, and the Erie of
Arran, about the death of the Erie of Morton, as if they were at
home to-morrow, nixt, they would not leave to practise and con-
spire the death of them both : and, therefore, [it were] a hard
mater to doe anie thing for him. Finallie, he concluded, and re-
quired me to assure her Majestie from the king, that there sail be
nothing hid from her, nor anie thing left undone, that may satisfie
her Majestie with reasoun ; and that the king sail never doe anie
thing, nor consent to have anie thing done in her prejudice, so long
as he had anie credite or authoritie with him.
" Having thus farre proceeded, he desired to show me his com-
missioun, which is under the great scale, to himself onlie, which is
als lai'ge as may be : and yitt sindrie of the Privie Counsell there
with him, but not one in commission, or present, nor neere us all
this time. Having spent almost five houres in these maters, he
presented unto me the Master of Gray, who delivered unto me a
letter from the king, in his commendatioun, whom I perceave the
king meaneth presentlie to send to her Majestie, and, therefore,
requireth a safe-conduct for his j)a88age, which I pray you procure,
and 80 send it so soone as yee may.
" I lett him understand of the Lord Seton's negotiatioun Avith
the Fronche king. He sware unto me that Seton is but a knave :
1 ")34. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 175
and that it was partlie against his will he sould be sent thither. But
his coinmissioira and instructions being- of no great importance, he
yeelded the sooner ; and if Seton have gone beyond his instruc-
tions, which Arran drew himself, he will make Seton smart for it.
" Tuiching William Newgeat and Mackgolgan, he protesteth he
never heard of anie suche. He sayeth there was a little poore
soule, with a blacke beard, come hither, in begging, who said he
was an eme ' to Desmond, to wlionie he gave a crowne, but never
heard of him since. And for anie Scotishman going into Ireland,
he sayeth there is no suche mater : if there be, they may l^e some
few rascalls that he knoweth not of. And tuiching the comming
of anie Jesuits into Scotland, he sayeth that is but the slanderous
device of the king's enemeis, and suche as would have the world be-
leeve that the king were readie to revolt in religioun, who, the
world sail weill see, Avill continue als constant therin as what prince
soever professed it most ; and the erle himself doeth protest unto
me, that to his knowledge he never saw a Jesuit in his life ; and
did assure me that if there were anie in Scotland, they sould not
doe so muche harme in Scotland as their ministers will doe, if they
preache suche doctrine as they did in Scotland. And tuiching one
Bellendine, of whom I wrote to you, (I heard it fronie Mr Colvill,)
the erle avoweth constantlie that he knoweth not, nor hath not
heard of anie suche man ; but he would enquire of the Justice-
Clerk, and would informe me what he could learne of that.
" Thus have I made you als short a discourse as I can, of so
manie maters so long discoursed upon. But these are the princi-
pall points of all our talke, so neere as I can remember it. And
so, for this time, I committ you to the Almightie.
" Your assured freind,
"HUNSDEN.
" At Berwick, the 14th of August 1584.
" The king is verie desirous to have my sonne, Robert Carie, to
come to him : I pray you, know her Majestie's pleasure."
' Relation.
176 calderwood's iiistokie 1584.
ARTICLES PROPONED TO THE ERLE OP ARRAN BY THE LORD
HOUNSDEN.
" 1. The strait and severe persecution of all suche as have beene
noted to be weill affected to the queene's Majestic.
"2. His inhibitioun by publict proclamation of suche as he hath
banished, not to repaire into England, to make dislyke and un-
kindnesse betweene their Majesteis more open and apparent to tlie
world.
" 3. His reception and harbouring of Jesuits and other fugitives,
and not delivering them, according to his promise.
"4. His agreement with his mother, tuiching the association,
without her Majestie's privitie, contrarie the assurance givin by
him to her Majestic.
"5. His imployment of sindrie subjects of his toward the Pope,
the Kino-s of Spaine and France, and other inferiour princes, pro-
voking them als muche as lyeth in him, by sinister and wrong in-
formatioun, as though we were his capitall enemels, to attempt
some thing against us.
" 6. Lastlie, The contemptuous usage of suche ministers as we
have sent unto him."
ARRAN's ANSWERES TO THE GREEVES OR ARTICLES PROPONED
BY THE LORD HOUNSDEN ; TOGETHER WITH THE REPLY OF AN
UNCERTAN AUTHOR.
"1. As to the strait and severe persecution of all suche as have
beene noted to have beene weill affected to the queen's Majestic, it
cannot appeare they were ather for that caus punished or hardlie
dealt with, since his Majestic of late hath beene so carefuU and dili-
gent to choose out good instruments to deale betuixt her INIajestie
and him, as his Majestic hath done in electing your lordship and me.
Besides, that in all their accusations, their good will and affection
borne to her Majestic was at no time lay ed to their charge, butcapi-
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 177
tall actiouns of treasoun nianie wayes tried, now by the whole three
estats, and more than manifest to the world.
"2. As for his Majestic inhibiting, by publict proclaraatioun,
suche as were banished not to repaire in England, the brutes and
whispering that came to his Majestie's cares of their conspiraceis
and treasoun, which sensyne they accomplished, so farre as in them
lay, moved his Highnesse to inhibite them to repaire to anie place
so neei'e his Majestie's realme, least they sould have attempted
these things which shortlie they did attempt, being farther off,
and more distant, both l)y land and sea.
" 3. As for receptioun of Jesuits, and other her Majestie's fu-
gitives, and not delivering them, according to his promise, as your
lordship proponeth, his Majestic would be most glade, that so that
might fall out by your lordship's travells, that no fugitives of either
realme sould be receaved of other. And when so sail be, it sail
not faile on his Majestie's part, albeit, in verie deed, this time by-
gane his Majestic hath beene constrained to recept her Majestie's
meane rebells and fugitives, contrarie his good naturall, since her
Majestic hath I'ccept, in effect, the v/hole and greatest rebells and
tratours his Majestic in his owne blood ever had.
" 4. As for the agreement with his Majestie's mother, tuiching
their associatioun, his Majestic hath commanded me, in presence
of your lordship's servant, to assure her Majestic and your lordship,
in his Majestie's name, that it is altogether false and untruthe;
nather yitt anie suche like mater [has been] done.
" 5. His Majestic hath also commanded me to assure your lord-
ship that it is likewise false and untrue that his Majestic hath,
by anie meanes, direct or indirect, sent anie message to the Pope,
or receaved anie from him ; or that his Majestic hath dealt with
Spaine, or anie forrane ellis, to harme her Majestic or her realme ;
which his Majestic would have no honour to doe, this good intel-
ligence taking place, as I hope in God it sail.
" 6. As concerning the contemptuous usage of her INIajestie's
ministers sent unto his Majestic, his Majestic used none of them
so ; and if his Majestic had, sufficient cans was givin by tliem, as
YOL. IV. M
178 caldeuwood's iiistohte 1584.
some their owne writts doe yitt testlfie, as I more particularlie
shewed your h)rdship at Foulden, at our kite mcetting."
REPLY TO THE ANSAVERS GIVIN BY ARRAN TO THE ARTICLES
PRESENTED BY THE LORD HOUNSDEN TO HIM.
" Two arguments are comprehended in Arran's first answere, to
prove that the distressed are not persecuted for their affectioun to
the queene's Majestic. In the former, it is said, that tlie care and
diligence used by his Majestic in choosing out good instruments to
deale betwixt her Majestic and him, declareth the persecution of
the distressed to have proceeded upon some other occasioun nor
for tlieir affectioun to her Majestic. To which it is answered, that
all the persons chosin to be good instruments (as they terme them)
in that dealing betuixt their Majesteis, (the Lord Ilounsden onlio
excepted, whose honestie and credite hath ever beene without spott
or reprehensioun,) are all in religioun obstinat Papists, or ellis in
minde and actiouns past professed enemeis against her Majestic,
her estate and weill-willers, as may be easilie declared in particu-
lar, if need be. And, therefore, the argument is verie frivolous to
say, that the choosing of good instruments to deale betuixt their
Majesteis declareth, that the distressed arc not persecuted for their
good affection to her Majestic, seingall the said instruments chosin
for their part are knowne to be notable enemeis to her Majestic,
and her favourers everie where. By which it appeareth that their
affectioun to her Majestic is the onlie cans of their persecutioun,
seing no man is elected to travell betwixt their Majesteis but
suche as never wished her felicitie ; and they onlie persecuted that
are of the contrarie dispositioun.
" The other argument, where it is said that the distressed in
their accusations are not charged for their affectioun to her INIa-
jestie, but for actions of treasoun, manifested to the world by the
three estats : to this it is replyed, that whatsoever Arran raeane,
and the remanent of his socictle, it were too grosse an errour to
proceed from so craftie practicians as they be, if they sould openlie
1584, OF TIIK KTRK OF SCOTLAND. 179
accuse tlie distressed for their afFectioun to her Majestic. I>ut
they deale more cunningile, by punishing the said distressed for
their good affectioun ; and by pretending outwardlie other causes
against them. But they are too simple and childish that judge of
suche men's meaning rather by their words than by their actions.
For the craft of all tyranns hatli beene, and is, under pretence of
one cans to punish for another. So the distressed presentlie of
Scotland may justliesay that they are accused for actiouns of trea-
soun ; but they are punished for their religioun, and good afFectioun
to England. For who is zealous in that land, ather in the one or
the other, that is free from calamitie ? Or who is a Papist, or ene-
mie to the estat of England, that is not advanced, at least, in better
cace, than he hath beene heeretofore at anie time since his Ma-
jestie's coronatioun ? And it may appeare a strange mater, how it
can be, that, without exceptioun, all they that love England of that
natioun, or are recommended by her Majestic, are all noted to be
rebellious ; and they that hate the same, or are reconmiended by
anie other forrane prince of the Eoman religioun, are all loyall and
duetifull subjects. And, therefore, I beleeve anie indifferent man
will confesse, that who persecuteth Protestants onlie, whatsoever
he pretend, and interteaneth Papists, cannot but be a hater of Pro-
testants, and favourer of the contrarie religioun : and he that trou-
bleth onlie such as are noted to be weill-affected to England, and
useth mc^st familiarlie the enemeis of their estate, must needs dis-
daine the one for their good afFectioun to the said estat, and in-
treate the other for their hatred against the same.
" And for the actiouns of treasoun, manifested by the three estats
to the whole world, against the said distressed, it is to be considered
that the whole forme of justice used in Scotland (like as, I think,
it be in other natiouns) is so subject to the inclinatioun of the
prince and his familiars, that the same dependeth upon the prince's
good or bad disposition, who, according as he is governed vertuous-
lie or contrariwise, so foiloweth the conclusions and acts of his
Judges criminall. Lords of Sessioun, Privie Counsell, and Estats in
Parliament, to be of the self-same qualitie, whensoever anie great
180 caldeiiwood's iiistohie 1584.
and weiglitie mater is entreatted before them, wherinto it pleaseth the
prince to interpone himself. So that it is no new thing in Scotland
to see the guiltie purged, and the vertuous condemned, when the
estat is governed by pernicious counsell. And yitt the whole bodie
of that estate is not to be thought culpable of the same, although
some peculiar members may be jystlie reprehended. The reasoun
is, becaus the three estats conveened in Parliament to judge upon
a mater of treasoun, they must judge secundum allegata et probata.
And so, finding haynous crimes objected against a person, if the
person compeere not to justifie himself, nor no other by permissioun
be licensed to plead for him, then, what can the estats doe but pro-
nounce condemnatour, albeit they sould know the person accused
to bo most innocent ? And this same forme is also used before the
Justicers in Scotland, in jureis called assises, wherof these twentie
yeeres past have furnished manie exemples Avithin that land : for
during the raigne of the king's mother, when as Davie the Italian
governed all, the Duke Hammiltoun, the Erles Murrey, Glencarne,
Kothesse, were banished, and neere the point of forfaltour ; and
the best of that land, for that time, Avere esteemed the onlie tra-
tours by declaratioun of the estates. And after the murther of the
king her husband, when as the Erie Bothwell guided all, Avas not
the said Erie Bothwell purged by an assise of that murther, Avhich
he actuallie executed Avith his owne hands; and at that time all
the best freinds of that murthered king Avere banished, forefaulted,
and cast down, even by an outward shoAv of justice, and by decla-
ratioun of the estats? and in D'Aubigney's tyrannicall administra-
tioun, Morton, the cheefe avenger of the nmrther forsaid, condemn-
ed as criminall of the same; and noAV, by Captan and Colonell
Stuart, the Erie of Gowrie beheaded, and the rest of the fellowship
that preserved the king, after the murtherer of his father had
mareid his mother, and entered in possession of his kingdome ; — 1
say, the rest of the fellowship are banished and forefaulted, Avith no
better forme of justice than the Italian Davie used against the
noblemen forsaid ; and Avith no lesse wresting of law nor Avas prac-
tised fur clecring of liothwell of the murther forsaid. Which in-
1584. OF THE KIKK OF SCOTLAND, 181
versioun of justice is nather (as appcaixtli) to be imputed to the
king, by reasovin of his youth, nor to the bodic of his estats, by
reason they can not judge but secundum allegata et j^robata ; but
onlie to the coloncll and captan forsaid, together "with some other
craftie persons, dissimulat enemeis, als weill to religioun as to the
state of England."
REPLY TO ARRAN'S SECUND ANSWERE.
" In the Secund answere, Arran giveth a reasoun wherefore
the king restrained his subjects not to come within England,
affirming that the same proceeded of love toward her Majestie,
in respect he was assured tliey could not be faithfull to her,
that were so unfaithfull to their owne soverane : an answere
more meete to be givin to foolish childrein nor to men of expe-
rience ; for if his Majestie restrained his subjects to repaire to
princes' dominions where he hath a good affect! oun, then, why
Avere they not restrained to goe to France, Spaine, or Kome, which
places appeare all to be more honoured and favoured by the estate
of Scotland nor England is, by reasoun of open and honorable am-
bassadors sent to some of them, and privat messages to others, with
continuall intelligence and testimonie of favour passing amongst
them ? But of this answere being ashamed, he forgeth another of
no better stuffe, saying, that this restraint was becaus of whisper-
ing of brutes and conspiraceis, which since that time they have ac-
complished. Wherunto it is replyed, that this restraint had not
beene published if there had not beene a diffidence in her Majestie ;
for if her Majestie's grave and weill-sattled government had beene
considered, without suspicion of her sinceritie, Arran might have
Weill perceaved that the greatest and mightiest of all her owne
subjects durst not presume anie thing at home or abroad by her
privitie, muche lesse afflicted strangers, in number verie few, and
evill-furnished for attempting anie interprise. For which cans,
lett Arran colour as he Avill, he must ather confesse her Majestie is
not able to compresse and bridle the appetits of suche as are arriv-
ed within her countrie for succour, or ellis he uiust grant that she
182 calderwood's iiistorie 1584.
is disposed some time to winke and dissemble. And as the former
is most false, so the other is most absurd."
REPLY TO ARRAN's THRID ANSWERE.
" In the Thrid answere, Arran would excuse himself for moving
the king to receave English Jesuits within his countrie, affirming
that he would wishe that neither of them sould receave others
fugitives ; and that the king was constrained to receave some of
her meane rebells, becaus the greatest tratours of his countrie were
admitted within her dominioun. It is replyed, that there is great
difference betweene the forme of her Majestie's doing on this point
and the king's ; for her Majestic hath rcceaved none but suche as
are knoAvne to be zealous in true religioun, of whom the greatest
part is the most learned and godlie of the ministric of Scotland :
his Majestic receaveth none but obstinat Papists, of whom the
greatest number are seminarie preests and Jesuits, the most cruell,
craftie, and perellous men living. Her JNIajestie hath receaved
none of his subjects but suche as for no fortune, adverse or pros-
perous, will ever be moved to shake off their naturall subjection
and obedience due to his Majestic ; his Majestic receaveth none of
her subjects but suche as have abjured their loyaltie and obedience
to her Highnesse, and givin themselves to be slaves to the Pope ;
esteeming her Majestic to possesse her crowne by usurpation, be-
caus of her defcctioun fi'om the Poman seate, as appeareth by the
confessioun of sindric executed for that same cans. Her Majestic
hath receaved none that have been knowne publict enemeis to his
life and crowne in his youth, or at anie other time, howsoever they
be traduced : his Majestic receaveth none of hers, but suche as
frome their birth fordward ever Avcre contrarious and repugnant to
her Majestic. Finallie, her Mnjestie hath receaved none but suche
as she knew weill to be his defenders and preservers, and suche as
can have no suretie but under his governement ; and yitt, becaus
for his preservatioun they have both purchasscd the wrath of his
mother and the hous of Hammiltoun : and, on the contrare, his
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 183
Majestle receaveth noue but suclie as he knoweth Aveill to be her
Majestie's ancient enemels, and suche as can have no suretie but
by her destructioun. Rebells receaved in Scotland are but meane
men : it is answered, that the more meane men and ignoble they
be, having so evill dispositioun, the more are they to be contemn-
ed, and the other receaved in England ; the more mightie and
noble they be, being persued for righteousnesse, the more leasome
it is to cherish and comfort them. Heere, I omitt to declare how,
after promise made for deliverie of Holt, notwithstanding therof,
Arran moved the king to send a privie commandement to the
captan of the Castell of Edinburgh to sett him at libertie, together
with raanie suche like uncomelie actiouns which I might rehearse,
wherunto the said Arran hath moved his Majestic, as appcareth,
farre by his owne good natural."
REPLY TO THE FERD ANSWERE.
" In this answere, Arran denyeth anie agreement to be betuixt
the king and his mother concerning the associatioun. Wherunto
it is answered, that he denyeth not an agreement sinijAiciter to be
betuixt them ; but with this addition, he denieth it concerning the
associatioun, albeit it be verie dishonorable to his Majestic to have
anie agreement at all with his mother, without the privitie of her
Majestic of England, and suclie others as seeking to defend him
have offended her. And muche more is the agreement unhonest
if it be (as without questioun it is) in odium tertii, that is to say, to
the destruction of these that preserved his Majestie's life. But to
come to purpose, indeid, I have never scene the indent of associa-
tioun past amongst them; but there are forcible conjectures, proving
the same rather to be nor otherwise. For the queene his mother
testified to some verie worshipfull and credible in this land, that
her Sonne was so bound to her by his writt that he could doe no
mater of importance without her consent. Wherupon, the king
himself being asked by her Majestie's ambassader, resident for the
time, confessed that there were certan articles presented to him by
184 calderwood's histoeie 1584.
the Duke of Lennox, sent from his mother, whicli he subscrivcd
after he had reformed them In some things. Thus is our conjec-
ture verie probable. Another I take from the effects of the king's
proceedings, which is a presumptioun infallible. Who are forfaulted
in Scotland ? who executed ? who banished, distressed, and out of
favour, but onlie suche as the king's mother is offended at ? Who
rewarded and advanced but suche as she llketh of? Who escapeth
the evill that is recommended by her ; and who smarteth not whom
she appointeth for calamitie ? So that it may be with reasoun
affirmed that no dispositioun of anie great mater passeth without
her recommendation. Whereby it followeth, that if she might be
personallie present to subsigne with his Majestic, that she hath a
conjunct authoritie to doe the same. And, therefore, lett Arran
protest as he pleaseth, they are blind that see not an agreement
confirmed betuixt him and his mother ; (and not onlie a generall
agreement) of associatioun, tending als weill to the destructioun of
these that, defending the king, offended his mother, as also to the
ruine of true religioun in Scotland and elliswhere, so farre as in
them lyeth."
REPLY TO ARRAN's FYFT ANSWERE.
" In the Fyft, it is affirmed by Arran that his Majestic hath
nather, directlie nor indirectlie, sent message, or receaved anie
from the Pope. To this may be weill answered, there is great ap-
pearance in the contrare when the Pope's apostles and their novices
are so familiar and secrelt Avith his Majestic. But to answere
directlie, it is certan that one Belhndine came this last sommer
from Parise, and spake secreitlie Avith the king, and therafter, with
all possible haste from Parise, tooke post to Pome. Besides this,
the king's ambassader, and his mother's now resident in France,
frequent daylie with the Pope's nimcio, and little with the ambas-
sader of England, and have, with tlie said nuncio and the ambas-
sader of other Papistick estates, daylie consultatiouns and assem-
blies ; which the said Scotish ambassader would not use or frequent
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTJ.AXD. 185
Avithout commandement or permissioun, and tliat for some end or
purpose. Which end, if it be for the advancement of their estats
Avith Avhom he resorteth, the same can bring no good effects, nather
for true I'eligioun, nor for her Majestic of England."
REPLY TO THE SIXT ANSWERE.
" In the Sixt answere, Arran would excuse the hard using of
some of her Majestie's ambassaders. First, denying anie suche
thing to have been : nixt, pretendhig that if so had beene, there
was sufficient caus, by reason, as he alledgeth, Mr Randulphe's
hand-writt is yitt extant to prove his evill offices during his abode
in Scotland, and Mr Bowes was suche a one as was verie pernicious
to his Majestic ; and for Maister Secretarie, if he had acknowledg-
ed the Erie of Arran, he had beene used in more familiar maner.
For the first, if Arran were not shamelesse, he could not denie the
hard handling used against some of them, and uncivill behaviour
against others, who merited more honour than could be done unto
them in that countrie. For if strait watching of their houses, that
no loving or familiar freind might come at them, directing of men
to confer with them, and to accompanle them that they knew to
be unfreinds to their estat ; querrelling with their servants upon
the streets ; shooting in of hacquebutts at their windowes : dis-
peshing of some of them, without compliments due to ambassaders ;
counterfooting privilie before the king in his chamber of their ges-
tures, mocking them in maner more dishonorable to his Majestic
nor offensive to them : if this was not strait and uncomelie using,
I leave it to anie indifferent man to judge. And yitt the impudent
denyer was cheefe deviser of all these inciviliteis. And where it
is said his Majestic had sufficient caus to use them hardlie, how farre
Arran in this answere is from the princelie humanitie used in all
Christian and peaceable governments, is easie to be understand.
And if he had beene disposed to behold her Majestie's commend-
able administratioun, he had found out laudable exemples to the
contrare. For after that the Bishop of Rosse, agent for the king's
186 CALDERWOOO'S IlISTORIE 1584.
mother, was declared guiltie of a treasonable conspiracie against
her estat and person, bccaus he was a stranger he was sett at
libertie. The ambassader of Spaine, found criminall in like maner,
was not barbarouslie used, and that for the reverence borne to his
maister, howsoever he had offended ; but Avas suffered to depart
with all compliments due to an ambassader, and provisioun made
for his safe arrivall within his maister's dominions. By which
exemples it is evident, that although her Majestie's ministers had
transgressed, yitt two things had beene requisite upon the king's
part ; the one, to have tried their transgressioun before they were
slandered ; the other, for reverence to her Majestic to have depeshed
them in princelie and liberall maner. But what sail be thought
when extremitie is used against ambassaders that have not offended ?
" But Arran sayeth, Mr Randulph's writt is extant to prove his
evill offices. For that AvorshipfuU and modest man's defence, it
may be asked at Arran, If that letter wherof he braggeth was in
his hands at that time when the said Mr Randulph wns abused or
not ? If it was in his hands, why was it not produced ? at least,
some mentioun made of it to her Majestie, for justifeing the king's
part? But if it was not at that time in his hands, (as I know it
was not,) then why was the said Mr Randulph so barbarouslie used,
no other cans being to charge him with ? But it is easie to judge
how this mater proceeded ; for this forme of doing is not farre
different from the forme of justice used by the Emperour of Russe,
who first executeth the persoun, and then findcth out a processe
against him.* So doeth Arran aj^ainst the said srentleman : for
Arran conceaving malice als wcill against the Lord Hounsden as
against Mr Randulph, becaus they were instruments sent for the
safetle of Morton, he not having abilitie to offend the Lord Houns-
den, (albeit he railed vcrie contumclouslie against his honour,) he
converted his whole vengeance against the said gentleman, and
caused shoot in a hacquebutt direct against that same part of the
' Randolph himself was well acquainted with Russian usages, having been sent
thrice in embassy to Russia. On one of these occasions, the Czar nailed the hat of
an Italian envoy to his head, and menaced the Englishman with a similar punishment.
1584. OF THE KlllK OF SCOTLAND. 187
chamber where the gentleman was accustomed most to sitt ; and
being oft accused of this, could never cleere himself till now of late,
that amongst the spoiling and searching of the noblemen's houses
now distressed, he hath perhaps found amono- tlicir papers some
writting of the said Mr Randulph's directed to them, at that time
expressing how carefull lie was to have the king preserved from
the Erie jMorton's blood. And this now he useth for a fitt excuse,
and upon tliis small foundatioun buildeth up a mightie worke.
" But whensoever that letter sail be produced, (if he have anie
suclie,) it will be found to make als little against the gentleman as
George Drummond's depositioim maketh against the distressed.
And for Mr Bowes' part, it may justlie be said, that howsoever
they traduce him, they can nather by writt nor witnesse convict
him of anie evill office against the king. But contrariwise, it may
Weill be justified that he hath done for the benefite of the king
and that estate, to his owne prejudice, so worthilie, that if he had
dealt with thankful! men his benefites had never beene putt in
oblivioun, muche lesse sould he have beene slandered and calum-
niated for his labours. And as for Maister Secretarie, who can
denie but his Honnour hath beene more beneficiall to that land
nor ever anie stranger was heeretofore ? For who of that natioun
ever addressed himself unto his Honnour that departed unsatisfied ;
yea, often when he could not gett their sutes dispeshed, he de-
bursed largelie summes out of his owne purse ? And yitt, notwith-
standing the cold intertenement he receaved in Scotland, his Ho-
nour is nothing in minde altered to that land.
" But Arran sayeth from the king, that if Maister Secretarie had
acknowledged him a nobleman whom the king so esteemed, he
had beene used more courteouslie. How short a cloke this is, and
how frivolous an excuse to defend the misbehaviour used against a
personage of so great vctue, place, and good affectioun to the
king and his estat, who, for one pleasure that Arran is able to doe
to his Majestic, is able to doe a thowsand, I leave it to the discreit
to consider. But if the king will take this course, to countenance
none but suche as acknowledge Arran, few modest or gentle men
188 CALUEinvoo])\s iiisToniE 1584.
sail be found about his Majestie ; and in the end It sail prove that
Arran's violence, joynned with the flatterie of others that ever
were professed enemeis to the king's father and hous, whcrof he is
descended, sail v/orke his destruction. And for the excuse of the
incursioun made upon Ireland, it is not likelie that James Makoneill
durst interprise anie farther thing without oversight of the king.
And it is certane that this winter past the said James was sent for
to court, where he remained two moneths, having no efFaires except
it was to this effect, which since that time he hath expressed by the
incursioun forsaid.
"For the receaving of Newgeat and the other, which Arran would
excuse, becaus they were persons of small degree, and recommend-
ed by the Duke of Gwise, it may be replyed, that if the Duke of
Gwise's letter, writtin in tlieir favour, had not beene openlie pre-
sented to the king, there had beene no mentioun made therof by
Arran. And, moreover, seing, for a generall letter of the said
duke's, men of small degree and puissance are weill receaved by
his Majestie, it may be weill collected that noblemen and great
forces would be muche more acceptable, if they Avere recomm.ended
in familiar and privat maner by the said duke. And concerning
George Drummond's depositioun, howsoever the samine be inacted
and registrat, yitt it is all full of leesings ; speciallie in that which
he sayes of appointment betuixt the Hammiltouns and Dowglases,
and of the Master of Glames dealing with Crawfurd and Lindsay.
And albeit all were true, yitt his depositioun can make nothing
against the noblemen, in respect he is but one witnesse, and there-
withall auspicious, by reasoun he never joyned in the cans Avith the
said noblemen. And where as Arran sayes, he was ever their
freind, the contrare is manifest ; for he was the cheefe guider of the
defunct Erie of Atholl, who was, during all the civil! warres, ather
neutrall or against the distressed ; and after the death of the said
erle, the said George had the governement of the young erle, who
Avas weill minded to have travelled for Gowrie, Avei^e not the said
George letted him ; and the present Ladie Arran was daughter to
the defunct Erie of Atholl, and sister to the present erle. I leave
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 189
it, then, to indifferent men to judge, whether the said George ap-
peareth rather freind to Arran or to the distressed."
In the meane time, that letters and conference past betuixt Ar-
ran and Hounsden, was this letter of admonitiouu cast into the
pulpit of Edinburgh, secreitlie : —
" Seing the course of the world hath alwayes beene, (beloved in
the Lord Jesus,) that the weake sort of men have alwayes sought
protectioun and defence of these that ather were in authoritie, or
of suche as were able to preserve them from the violence of the
proud and mightie Nimrods of the world ; the sicke consulted these
who were skilfull in physick, the poore sought releefe of the liberal-
itie of the riche, the ignorant, and suche as hang in suspense of
anie doubtfulnesse of anie maters, counsell of wise and learned, and
speciallie (I speeke with the Spirit of God) to seeke the preests
or prophets, for counsell in maters of religioun, these have pre-
sentlie moved us, deere brethrein, to seeke to you, and write this
short letter, in the malice of this corrupt time. Yee are the men
(we meane the prophets) who sould be consulted. God hath placed
you upon the Avatche-towres in these places where yee travell.
To you is concredited the over watching of our soules, to forewarns
us of the enemie. Wherin, if yee duetifullie discharge your call-
ing, our blood remaineth upon our OAvne heads, if we heare not
your voice and eshew the perrell. But if so be that yee see the
enemie, and forewarne us not ; yee crie not, and blow not the
trumpet, for our surer intelligence of the perrell, yee worke the
worke of God negligentlie ; yee bring our blood upon your owne
heads, to the eternall confusion of yourselves and us both. Your
estat and calling (if so be yee faithfullie discharge the same) is
the honourablest estat and calling in this world, yea, above the
mightie monarchs ; sua is it, negligentlie or fraudulentlie dis-
charged, the miserablest estat and conditioun of anie men in the
earth.
" Lett it not greave you, brethrein, that we have tane upon us
to write these few lynes, as that we would teache you your duetie.
Truelie we meane no suche thing, being sufficientlie assured that
190 CALDERWOOD's IIISTOIJIF. 158 1.
yee all know your duetcis better tlmu we can spcekc. But Ciod
knowetli it is the lamentable estat wherin we are wrapped, betuixt
obedience to God and our prince, and the great unccrtantie we are
in what we sail allow or danme, in this varietie of opinions tuich-
ing the late acts of Parliament, sett doun anent maters of religioun
and policie of the kirk, which some of your vocatioun allow, and as
j)ro aris ct focis, strive for defence of these acts, and their ap})ro-
batioun ; others damning, disapproving, disallowing, and impugn-
ing them, as fighting e.v diametro with God's AVord ; others keep-
ing suche a generalitie, and suche a difference anent all that sub-
ject, both in doctrine and communicatioun, that they darre never
tuiche it, more nor it were the pest to infect them. Whills yee that
be the learned, of whom we attend both counsell, and instructioun,
and good exemple, be thus tossed and divided among yourselves,
what, thinke yee, sould be our estate, in deliberat resolving what
goldin midde course to keepe ?
" Our most humble supplicatioun, therefore, in Christ, as yee
will eshew that maledictioun threatned against the negligent doers
of God's worke, the judgement of God upon the pastors that see
the enemie coming, and warne not the flocke ; and as yee would be
participant of the blessing of God, which man nor angell cannot
descrive, appointed for these that faithfuUie discharge their call-
ing ; yea, as yee will oblishe us in bodeis and goods, and humble
supplications unto God for blessing your labours in your vocations,
that yee will, we say, confcrre upon the acts latelie sett furth ;
and if yee find them suche as agree with the Word of God, resolve
your conscience in j)ulpit, in your semnons, that we may be learned
to understand and yeeld our lawfull obedience to our prince in
them : and if, otherwise, they agree not with the Word, yee will
plainlie speeke it, avow it, preache it, proclame it, writt it, and sett
furth the evident repugnance, that we that be the unlearned may
be edified, and made able to give an accompt of our disobeying,
and not yeelding to the obedience of these acts, and (if possible
the authors of them may be brought convicted in tlieir owne con-
sciences, seing their owne errours) to reforme them again. But
1584. OP^ THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. ]91
cheefelie, brother Johne Duncansone, our exhortation to you is,
that seing yee have the chcefe place for doctrine in this realme,
unto which the eyes of the greatest multitude attend for doctrine,
(becaus it hath beene found there heeretofore,) that yee will no
more hold in this indifFerencie wherewith the hearts of manie good
men are wounded, and the consciences of manie godlie offended :
that yee keepe us no longer in suspense, but speeke your opinioun
plainlie and evidentlie, and cry it, to the discharge of your con-
science, if these acts be lawfull, or repugnant to the truthe. For
now is no time of silence or simulatioun, when publict lawes ai'e
sett furth, and strait charges for reverence and obedience to them ;
the perrell being of God's dishonour, condemnatioun of men's
soules, and disobedience to princes. In the Avhich, if men through
your negligence fall, doubt not but God will crave it at your hands,
in his owne time : for we take God to witnesse, that of good minde,
in the bitternesse of our hearts, and of zeale to the truthe, we
write that we have Avrittin ; mynding onlie God's glorie, our owne
salvatioun, and knowledge wherin we may lawfullie obey or dis-
obey our naturall prince. And thus we tak God to judge betuixt
you and us, if we seeke not a thing lawfull and necessar. The
Lord grant to you all, that, in these evill and dangerous dayes,
(wherin wickednesse and corruptioun hastest to rypenesse by de-
grees, nemo enim repente fit pessimus,) yee propone to yourselves for
your imitatioun the great Pastor, Jesus Christ, and faith fuUie
iraitat him in zeale, {quem zelus domus Dei comedit,) in love of his
flocke, that gave his life for them, Avhill they were his enemeis ; in
behaviour, who was suche as the whole world could not reproache :
the Lord, we say yitt once againe, grant you earnest meditatioun,
and carefull imitation. This muche shortlie in God's feare, await-
ing answero of your mouths in publict doctrine, and for our better
edificatioun, and memorie of your pennes, publishe in writt your
judgement and opiniouns.
" Your brethrein, that incessantlie thrist the truthe to be re-
veeled, to God's glorie, and our and your salvations.
" The eight of Auo-ust 1584.
192 calderwood's histokie 1584.
" If this letter come in the hands of anie other than theirs to
whom it is directed, we admonishe the finder, in God's name, and
crave that he present it to the brethrein to whom it is directed."
THE INSTRUCTIONS OF THE BANISHED LORDS TO THEIR FAMILIAR
FREIND AND SERVITOUR, MR JOHNE COLVILL, TO BE DELIVERED
TO HER MAJESTIE OF ENGLAND ; DATED 20tH OF AUGUST 1584.
" Our letter and salutatioim, with remembrance of our most humble
duetie, being presented to her Highnesse, yee have two generall
heeds wherin to deale with her Majestic. The one concerning our
Greeves ; the other concerning suche petitions as are to be re-
quired of her Hienesse.
"In this sort yee sail open up our greeves to her Majestic:
That wheras her Majestic, by her last letter sent unto us, and credit
committed unto you, acknowledged our cans to be honest, just, and
lawfull, and the self-same cans which was interprised about 17
yeeres agoe, for maintenance of true religion, preservatioun of the
king our soverane, and continuing of the amitie betuixt the two
crowns, and the self-same cans which her Majestic had alwayes as-
sisted, at all times before, when as the same was in danger, as hav-
ing a conjunct interesse therintill : and wheras our humble peti-
tioun was, at your last imployment toward her Majestic, that it might
please her Hienesse then (as she had done of before) to assist us
with some reasonable forces, for recovering and upholding of the
said caus ; her Majestie's answere was, albeit she would never leave
us nor our cause destituted and comfortlesse, yitt her Hienesse
could not at that time succour us in suche sort as we desired, for
sindrie reasons conteancd in her answere givin at the time forsaid.
But her Majestic, of her accustomed bountie, promised then this
farre unto us, that, for so muchc as the king, our soveran, offered
imto her veric largelie, so being the Lord Hounsden, or ellis some
other of her counsell whom he could like of, were sent to deale
Avith him ; thei'eforc, her Majestic then desired us to have a little pa-
tience, untill the time that she had tried what effect might follow
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 193
upon the large offers forsaids ; thinking that a way more honorable
and eertane to purchasse our soveran's benevolence to us in that
sort, than by anie other moyen : and for that caus her Majestic then
concluded, that both JMr William Davidsone sould be imployed to
Scotland, to worke all good offices that might tend to that purpose,
as also, the said Lord Hounsden sould be directed to travell to the
same effect. And so, whill as her Majestic, without all questioun,
formerlle beleeved that, by the dealing forsaid, some benefite sould
have redounded unto us, at least, that nothing sould have suc-
ceeded to make us and our caus in worse conditioun nor it was be-
fore ; and on the other part, whill we were weill satisfied with her
Majestie's gracious answere, hoping for some releefe by the said
mediatioun, we perceaved at lenth all things to succeed contrari-
ouslie, and farre against her Majestie's good meaning, and our ex-
pectatioun, which we impute onlie to the craft and subtilitie of
our enemeis, who have effectuat, by this delay, that which by no
other way they could have performed. For by this unhappie pro-
tracting of time, and unfaithfull dealing on their part that are our
enemeis. First, Our freinds in Scotland are discouraged, and like-
lie to fall from us, and in effect, although not in expresse Avords, we
are restrained to make them anie intelligence, for conforting and
animating them. Secundlie, The castell of Edinburgh, which was
the onlie part of hope which remained, upon a frivolous and most
false alledganco of a practise, is taikin out of his hands, that was
both our assured freind, and verie weill affected to her Majestic.
Thridlie, Upon the self-same contrived alledgance, our forfaltours
are to passe fordward at the day appointed, without helpe of pro-
rogatioun. And, last of all. Our selves are so calumniated and
slandered with maters wherof we are most innocent, that there
resteth now no more of all that our enemeis could have wished for
our destructioun, except onlie deliverance of us in their hands.
And, for that which is alledged of a practise to have beene at-
tempted against his Majestie's person and nobilitie, yee know how
farre we ought to be free of anie suche suspicioun, and, therefore,
we referre that to your owne declaratloun. You have to regrait
VOL. IV. N
194 calderavood's iiistorie 1584.
that forme of dealing, that, upon the uaiked alledgance and affirma-
tioun of our enemeis, without proofFe or triell of the samine, they
soukl be suffered to \Yorke all the rigour they can against us, and
no travell taikin to perswade and move his Majestic, at least, to
continue the executioun of the sentence against us, till the mater
were tried to be so indeid as they alledge.
" Concerning the other point, conteaning our petitions to her
Majestic, they are : —
"First, Humblie requeist her Majestie, that with all convenient
speed, letters may be directed to the Lord Hounsden and Mr Wil-
liam Davidsone, but speciallie to Mr Davidsone, to seeke the pro-
rogatioun of the parliament ; or, if the samine cannot be stayed, that
at least nothing passe therin prejudiciall to our cans in generall, or
to our hurt in particular.
" Secundlle, Declare to her Majestie, that for so muche as we
are sorie to be a continuall burthein to her Hienesse, therefore we
humblie requeist her Majestie, that, by her procurement, our owne
livings may be granted unto us.
" Thridlie, Forsomuche as, since this last dealing began, in effect,
(although not in expresse words,) we have beene restrained from
intelligence with our confortlesse and discouraged fi-einds, that
therefore it may please her Majestie to permitt us, as occasioun
may serve, by our letters and messages, to animat and confort
them, that they may be the more willing, if ever God send conve-
nient opportunitie, to joyne with us in her Majestie's service.
*' Ferdlie, Make motioun for a w^arrant to us to remaine at Holie
Hand ; and if yce be asked of our mindes concerning Arran, yee
have to say, that we can, nather vith honestie nor upright con-
science, have to doe with such a one, howsoever he floorish.
" Angus, Mark, Master of Glames."
the letter presented to her majestie.
" As the whole church within Europ hath had confort of your
Majestie, so it becometh the same church, and everie member of
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 195
the same, to be earefull of your Majestie's weelefare and prosperi-
tie, and these in speciall wlio most felt the benefite of your
Grace's governement. Therefore, for our parts, we, as partakers
of the benefites with manie others, have thought good, seing your
Grace in danger, to advertise your Grace of the same, to the end
that your Majestic, hearing the danger confirmed by manie others,
which yourself suspecteth, yea, and perceaveth, may, with the
greater assurance and consideratioun, prevent the same, as a thing
more certane than that, upon anie light suspicioun, or panicus timor,
as they call it, they have begun ne to mislyke. And for certane
and sure grounds in this cace, that have beene knowne, (seing to
your Majestic we mind not to insist ;) as, first, that all that professe
Poprie are your commoun eneraeis : 2. That Spaine and France
are old enemeis, als weill to your Majestie in speciall, as to the
Avhole realme in generall : 3. That they, with the counsell of the
Pope, have had manie interprises to cutt yow off, and overthrow
your estat. These, we say, and the like, we will passe over, as
things more notour than that they need to be stood upon at this
time. But we will intreat upon the evident danger that most cer-
tanlie is intended unto you, frome the court and present state of
Scotland. Which, albeit we thinke it be reasonablie espied, and
long since found out by your Majestie, yitt, becaus familiar dealing
with them may engender some lyking, and banish distrust by little
and little ; (and hard is it to tuiche pick, and not be defyled there-
by ;) and that becaus, howbeit yee have wisdome, and wise coun-
sellers able to encounter with advantage ; yitt, true dealing may be
riffled by deepe dissimulatioun and plaine falshood, and a lawful!,
simple, and honest dealing may be overshott with witchecraft,
wherewith that court is now governed, we thought good to helpe
that in us lyeth, that at least, in our default, no harme come to
your Grace ; which our good will we doubt not but your Grace
will take in good worth, seing it is the quietnesse of the Church of
God, and your Grace's preservatioun, that we seeke. Amen.
" 1. And, first, seing that court hath joynned now plainlie, as
before, you and your counsell did see that mysterie in working, both
196 calderwood's historie 1584.
with the enemels of religioun, (Papists I meane,) and with the mor-
tall enemeis of your person and realme, as also, Avith the devisers of
the conspiraceis intended often times against your Grace, yee can not
but have most just caus to abhorre their freindship and famiharitie.
" 2. Secundlie, The contemptuous and despitefull disdaining and
raiUngs against your person and state, sindrie times, as enemeis to
them.
" 3. The foule scoffing of your Grace, in not keeping anie pro-
mise made to your Majestie's ambassaders in your name, the falsi-
feing of plaine hand-writt ; as of the reposing of Arran in speciall ;
and persecuting of the noblemen for the Koad of Ruthven, &c.,
which justlie may make you suspect that they will be no truer
than these have beene before.
" 4. In not obeying your Majestie's reasonable requeists, at di-
verse times making sute for some noblemen tuiching their death,
as Morton, &c.
" 5. The pretended title of the crowne, and the full purpose and
intent, to occupie the place of governement by force.
" 6. Being privie to the late conspiracie to make your Majestic
away.
Conjectures.
" 1. The familiaritie with Holt and diverse others Englishmen,
traffiquers, no doubt, to that end ; as also, with his mo-
ther by writt, who, no doubt, is guiltie therin.
" 2. The preserving of Holt from triell, and shifting his exami-
natioun, and letting him out of the castell of Edinburgh.
" 3. The heavinesse at the court, when newes came of the re-
veeling the conspiracie.
" 4. The lyking of the Prince of Orange his murther, with
muche reasoning in defence therof, as also, of the mas-
sacre in Parise.
" 5. A certane staying from prosecutioun of their purposes, and
awaiting, as it were, about that time till they heard be-
like what sould fall out.
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLiVND. 197
" G. The mainteaning of men about him that utterlie hate and
mislyke your Majestie, as Montrose, Arran, the Colonell, Matlane,
Melvill, Chalmer, Down.
" 7. The mislyking of the best affectioned men in England to
your Majestie, except this counterfoote shew toward Hounsden.
" 8. The revolting from religioun and the amitie most unthank-
fullie, more to be feared ; for tame foxes, if they waxe wilde, are
most perellous.
" 9. The delyting in shedding of the blood of the nobilitie of
Scotland, that were addicted to your Majestic. Nullius semel ore
receptus, pollutas patitur sanguis mansuescere fauces. Yea, the
hating and persecuting of all estats that love your Majestic Avithin
that realme.
" 10. The shootting at your Majestie's ambassader, and cvill in-
treatting of the rest of them. And these unnaturall and bloodie
beasts nunquam solent deponere iram donee ulciscantur.
"11. Last and most dangerous of all, this suddane change from
extreme hatred to an excessive shew of lyking, and pretended traf-
fiquing for continuing of peace ; the accustomed practise of all their
sort, when they minde greatest murthers, and are neerest to the
point to perforrae them."
A PAELIAMEiSTT.
After the meeting of Arran and Hounsden, the banislicd mini-
sters were discharged to preache in anie part of England. After
Arran's returne, the parliament held at Edinburgh, the 22d of
August. The king and the lords went on foote to the Tolbuith,
with the honours caried : Crawfurd caried the sword, Huntlie the
scepter, the Duke of Lennox the crowne. When they were going
up the street in pompe, the Ladie Gowrie satt doun on her knees,
crying to the king for grace to her and her poore barnes, who never
had offended his Grace. Arran would not suffer her to come neerc, but
thrust her doun, and hurt herbacke and her hand. She fell a swowne,
and lay in the streets till they were in the Tolbuith, and then was
108 calderwood's histoeie 1584.
takin in to a hous. This was the reward she receaved for sav-
ing Arran's life at tlie Road of Ruthven. At this parliament were
forfuulted the Erie of Angus, the Eric of Marr, the Countesse of
Marr, the Countesse of Gowrie, the Countesse of Cassils, the Mais-
ter of Glames, Carmichael's sonne, . . . Dowglas of Park-
Ikeid, Robert Areskine, William Cunninghame of Drumquhassill,
James Murrey of Tullibairdin, the man who oifered to fight against
Both well at Carbarrie, William and Michael Elphinston. An act
was made that all ministers, readers, and maisters of colledges,
sould come within fortie dayes, and subscrive the act of parliament
of the king's power over all estats, spirituall and temporall, and to
submitt themselves to their ordinar bishops, under paine of losing
their stipends ; and howbeit they sould be afterwards willing to
subscrive, they sould not be admitted.
MINISTERS SUMMOUNED BEFORE THE COUNSELL.
Upon Moonday the 24th of August, the king went to Falk-
land, and left behind him Arran, Huntlie, Crawfurd, the se-
cretarie, and sindrie others, to examine ministers for their bold
speeches, and to cans them subscrive the acts of parliament. Mr
Johne Craig, Mr Andrew Blakhall, Johne Brand, Johne Hereis,
and sindrie others, were called before the coimsell. When they
were demanded how they durst be so bold as to controll the late
acts of parliament? Mr Craig answered, They would find fault
with anie thing repugnant to God's Word and holie oracles. Ar-
ran start up on his feet and said, they were too peart : he sould
shave their head, paire their nailes, and mak them an exemple to
all that rebelled against king and counsell. They were charged to
compeere before the king at Falkland, the fourth of September, to
answcre to suche things as tlie counsell sould lay to their charge.
They obeyed, and compeering the fourth of September, were ac-
cused for breaking the acts of parliament, speciallie for not obey-
in<J- the bishop's injunctions. It was answered, they could not
obey. There was some bote conference betuLxt Mr Craig and the
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 199
Bishop of Sanct Audrewes, in the king's presence. Arran uttered
some rough speeches to Mr Craig. Mr Craig said to him boldlie,
" There have beene men sett up higher than he, that have beene
brought low." Arran, in mocking maner, bowed his knee, and said,
" I sail make thee, of a false frier, a true prophet" — and so, sitting
doun upon his knee, sayeth, " Now I am humbled." " Nay," say-
eth Mr Craig, " mocke the servants of God as thou will ; God will
not be mocked, but sail make thee to find it in earnest, when thou
sail be humbled, and east doun from the high hors of thy pride."
This came to passe within few yeeres, when James Dowglas of
Parkheid thrust him off his hors Avith a speere, and slue him. His
carcase was layed in an open kirk beside, and was found eaten with
dogges and swine, before it was buried. Mr Craig was discharged
to preach, and they were commanded to compeere again before the
counsell the sixteene of November. The Bishop of Sanct AndrcAves
was sent over to Edinburgh to preache, and a charge was sent to the
counsell of Edinburgh to accept him. But the most part of the peo-
ple went furth when he entered in the pulpit. During the time of
his abode, sindrie libells were cast in into the pulpit, and in his cham-
ber, painting out his falshood and knaverie ; with certificatioun, if he
mended not his maners, the same hand that wrote the libell sould
be his deid.
MR JOHNE RUTHERFURD's ADMISSION.
About this time the king asked at Mr Johne Rutherfurde, saying,
" Would yee be minister of Sanct Andrewes ?" He answered,
" Yes, sir ; but shame fall me, if I doe not my duetie !" The king
said, " Shame fall thee, and the devill receave thee too, if thou doe
it not : goe thy way." So he departed inaugurated. This was
called The maner of Mr Johne Rutherfurd's admissioun.
200 caldekwood's historie 1584.
WEOMEN TROUBLED.
About the same time, the raagistrats of Edinburgh were charged
to disloodge Mr James Lowsone, Mr Walter Balcalquall, and Johne
Durie's wives. The honest weomen sold the movables which they
could not keepe, and delivered the keyes to the magistrats. Far-
ther, there was another charge givin to some weomen Avithin the
toun, evill affected to the late acts of Parliament, to retire them
be-north the water of Tay for a space. Jonet Adamsone, Jonet
Henrysone, Jonet Gilbert, were charged by name. A blanke was
givin to the Ladie Arran, to putt in whom she pleased.
DAVIE THE DEVILL SLAINE.
Upon the tenth of September, the Erie of Bothwell, accompanied
with fortie horse, invaded David Hume, sonne to the Goodman of
Manderston, and slue him. The Lord Hume Avas wairded in Tam-
tallan, under pretence that he sould not revenge the slaughter.
But the true caus was, becaus he Avould not give over the thrid of
the lands of Dirleton to the Erie of Arran, who had now gottin
Gowrie's part. About the same time Atholl was wairded in the
castell of Edinburgh, under pretence of a light offence. But the
true caus was, becaus he would not repudiate his wife, the Erie
of Gowrie's daughter, and tailzie the living to Arran's hous.
ARRAN CHOSEN PROVEIST OF EDINBURGH.
Upon Tuisday, the sixt of October, the magistrats of Edinburgh
were chosin. Arran was made Proveist ; Henrie Nisbit, William Nis-
bit, his brother, William Harvie, and James NicoU, Bailliffes ; Thomas
Eosse, Treasurer, NicoU Udward, Deane of Gild. Arran is now
Proveist of Edinburgh, Captan of the Castell of Edinburgh !
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 201
MR JAMES LOWSONE S DEATH.
After that Mr Andrew Melvill, Mr James Lowsone, and slndrie
others, had visited the Universiteis of Oxfoord and Cambridge, they
returned to Londoun. Mr James, partlie through travell and
change of the aire, partHe through misbehaviour of some of his
flocke, who had subscrived the letter wherin they were called woolves
and hyrelings, being of a melancholick constitutioun, fell in a heavie
disease, which resolved in a dysenteric. He being tried, as in a
fierie furnace, the space of thrittie-foure dayes, never uttered so
niuche as one impatient word, but most confortable and zealous
sentences, more moving (with his eyes lifted up to heaven, his hands
stretched out) than anie gesture or behaviour of a most zealous
preacher in pulpit can expresse ; not onlie preaching, as if he had
beene in pulpit, but also singing psalmes, and provoking others to
sing with him. Three dayes before his death, he caused sing the
103d Psalme ; and again immediatlie, few houres before his death.
Vrhen voice could not serve, liis lippes were perceaved labouring
to utter the words which Avere sung. The English who heard him,
at all occasiouns offered, reported his sentences to their famileis
and acquaintance. Great Vi'as his greefe that he had beene debarred
from preaching ; and desired often that the Lord would be merci-
ful! to them that would nather enter in the kingdom of God them-
selves, nor suffer others to enter.
MAISTER JAMES LOWSON's TESTAMENT.
" At Londoun, in Houie Lain of Cheapside, in Mr
Antony Martin's Hous, upon Wednisday, the se-
venth of October 1584.
" I, Maister James Lowsone, minister of God's Word, of the
flocke of Christ at Edinburgh, wishe grace, mercie, and peace.
202 calderwood's iustorie 1584.
from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, with the
continuance of the Holie Spirit, to all these that feare the Lord,
and love his blessed Evangell ; giving to understand to whom it
apperteaneth, that I, being whole in minde, but finding my God
summoning me by his messinger, sicknesse, (wherewith he hath
tyed me to bed,) to putt an end (as appeareth) to my course in
this transitorie life, have thought good to committ my testament
and latter will to writt, in forme as followeth : —
" First, I thanke my good God, through Jesus Christ my Sa-
viour, who hath not onlie, of his unspeakable mercie, (wherof I con-
fesse myself most unworthie, if he sould deale with me according
to my deserts,) plucked me out of grosse ignorance and blindnesse
of superstitioun, Papistrie, and idolatrie, especiallie since the time I
did heare that notable servant of God, Mr Knox, (of blessed me-
morie,) impugne with great authoritie of doctrine that Antichristian
tyrannic ; but also, of his great goodnesse, hath moved me, from
time TO time, by his sacred Word and instructioun of his Holie
Spirit, to dedicat my self and the small talent which his wisdome
concredited unto me, to the edificatioun of his people in the holie
miuistrie ordeanned in his kii'k ; and hath blessed also the same,
first in the congregatioun of Aberdeen, and last in the toun of
Edinburgh ; testifeing to the whole Avoi'ld, that as I have felt, frome
time to time, the working of God's Holie Spirit kindling in my
breast a bent and readie will to discharge my owne conscience, in
teaching the Word of God purelie and sincerelie, without fearing
the faces of men, and also to procure the establishing of that eccle-
siastical! discipline reveeled and sett doun in the Holie Scripture
of God, accoi'ding to the measure of knowledge givin unto me :
soe I doe feele of God's speciall love, a delectatioun, a zeale, and
thrist sealed up into my heart, to persevere in the same, as the in-
fallible truthe of God, and to continue in the same functioun, if it
sail please God to prorogat my dayes ; albeit, Lord, farre be it
from me to boast, or glorie in anie thing in thy presence, (before
whom the angels are not able to plead their innocencie,) but in the
crosse of thy Sonne, Jesus Christ. Seing the want of sufficient
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 203
zeale, diligence, and abilitie in the said office, and the manie infir-
initeis and iniperfectiouns, staying rac in the performance therof, as
it become me, I have my refuge to the throne of thy grace, ackno^Y-
ledging (after all my irkesome travells wherwith I am brokin) me
to be an unprofitable servant ; referring the whole praise of my
weake ministrie to the glorie of tliy holie name, by whom I have
my being and moving ; craving, in the meane time, pardon of all
my sinnes and offences, being now assured of remissioun therof,
through the merits of the death and passioun of Jesus Christ, with
whom I am conjoyned in his everlasting covenant by livelie faith,
whereby I presentlie possesse his mercie.
" Attour,Irandermost heartie thanks unto his gracious goodnesse,
that he hath not onlie used me as a poore instrument, to communicat
his heavenlie counsells unto others, but also hath called me to that ho-
nour to suffer for the constant defence of his truthe, and ecclesiasti-
call discipline conteanned therin ; and hath, of his carefull providence,
givin livelie experience of the performance of that promise which
his Sonne, my Saviour, made, that whosoever sail forsake houses,
father, mother, brethrein, sisters, wife, or childrein, for his name's
sake or the Gospell's, sould receave an hundreth fold more now at
this present, and life everlasting in the world to come ; not onlie
of the most go Hie learned brethrein and sisters among the strangers,
and speciallie of the godlie familie Avherin the Lord brought me,
(where I have beene most lovinglie interteanned, at my heart's de-
sire,) but also of so manie of my brethrein and fellow-labourers in
the Evangell with me, of my owne countrie, whose kindenesse,
courtesie, humanitie, and good offices shewed towards me, I wishe
the Lord to requite, to the one and to the other.
" And now, turning my exhortatioun to my faithfull brethrein,
Avhome God liath called to dispense the holie mystereis of his
blessed Word and Sacraments, (whose dayes it sail please the Lord
to prolong, after my departure,) 1 beseeke them all, in the bowells
of Jesus Christ, that they take heed that they imploy their whole
studeis in whatsomever time sail be granted unto them on the face
of the earth, to prosecute their good course ; to feed their people
204 caldekwood's historie 1584.
committed to their cure, by preaching the glade tydings of salva-
tioun, in seasoun and out of seasoun, nather for lucre nor for the
fashioun, but earnestlie, zealouslic, and with a readie minde, in pro-
moving, advancing, and planting the holie ecclesiasticall discipline
in the hous of God, which is established in his Word ; and so muche
the more valiantlie and constantlie to stand in defence therof, that
Satan and his supposts, pseudo-eplscopi, greevous woolves are en-
tered, impyrlng as they were lords over God's inheritance, whom
nather the apostle, Sanct Paul, nor anie part of the Word of God,
did ever allow, maliciouslie doe impugne the same.
" And as concerning the flocke of Edinburgh, in the ministrie
w^herof, howbeit this bodie of myne hath greatlie waisted, yitt I
repent me nothing of my travell there, being assured that the Lord
hath a kirk there who unfainedlie feare his name, and for whose
salvatioun the Lord hath made my ministrie profitable. Therefore,
frome my verie heart I leave my blessing to all the faithfull there-
of, who dearelie love the comming of the Lord Jesus Christ ; and
wishc my God, blesssd for ever, to blesse them, not onlie with true
and faithfull labourers in their ministrie, and to preserve them from
ravenous woolves, but also with continuall increasse in all godli-
nesse and perseverance in that true faith and doctrine which I have
taught among them ; and at last with everlasting life in the heaven,
Avhere both they and I sail mutuallie rejoice.
" And as for a few others whose names, in charitie, Isuppresse, w^ho,
as they greeved my heart often times whill I was present w^ith them,
by resisting the upright and godlle course, and assisting the wrong,
so now, since my departure from them, through their subscriving
of that false and infamous libell, sent out against us, their pastors,
and other sindrie unthankfull dealings, which we nather merited
nor looked for at their hands, they have done what in them lay to
wound the same ; for my part, I forgive them with my heart.
And, seing they would colour their facts, under the shadow of obe-
dience to their superiour power, I beseeke the Lord to forgive the
king for obtruding of that letter, injuriouslie exacting their sub-
scriptioun therof, and to give them both true repentance therefore,
1584. OF THE KIKK OF SCOTLAND. 205
and not to lay the burtliein therof to their charge, nor crave at
their hands my blood. The same Lord mott open the king's eyes
to behold in what hazard he hath brought the true religioun, his
owne person, fame, and estate, together with the best and most
obedient subjects within his realme, and give him grace in time to
withdraw himself from the pestilent and wicked counsellers where-
with he is environned, and leave that unhappie course wherin he
hath wrapped himself most fearefullie, to the great danger of his
bodie and soule, unlesse he speedilie repent. Amen. Amen.
" And now, I committ and commend my soule in the hands of
my heavenlie Father, Creator therof, and of Christ Jesus, my onlie
Redeemer and Saviour, by whom the ports of heaven are made
patent unto me ; willing my trustie and deerelie beloved brethrein,
insert witnesses of this my will, to cans burie my bodie, after my
deceasse, in that place, and after that maner, which sail seeme good
unto them, there to sleepe untillthe day of the joyfullresurrectioun
to life everlasting, when my soule and bodie being joynned toge-
ther, sail have the full fruitioun of His face, with the bodeis and
soules of all the fixithfull.
" And now, concerning the ordering of my familie, seing the pos-
sessioun of earthlie things is not able to enriche the posteritie, I
desire, as God is the Father of the fatherlesse, and conforter of the
widowe's cace, by the riches of his blessing to supplee their pover-
tie. And as tuiching the portioun of goods givin unto me, I putt
the same in the hands of my most speciall and loving freinds, Ro-
bert Fairlie of Braid, Mr Johne Lindsey, Senator of the Colledge
of Justice, Johne Johnstoun of Elphinston, burgesse of Edinburgh,
together with my loving spous, Jonet Guthrie, whom I constitut
executers of this my testament ; and they, with commoun consent,
to choose one or moe of their number, to whose fidelitie the inti'O-
missioun sail be committed, upon sufficient securitie, that all things
sail come to the use of my childrein. Which burtliein I most ear-
nestlie requeist them to accept upon them, for that love and fami-
liar conjunctioun which hath been betuixt us in Christ : giving
power to them to make and subscrive an inventar of my bookes,
20G calderwood's historie 1584.
housliold geir, and other movable goods left behind me in Scotland,
where ever they sail be transported ; and also praying my beloved
brethrein, the witnesses underwritten in this my testament, to make
and subscrive another inventar of my bookes, cloths, and other
movables which I have in Londoun, and deliver tliem to be keeped
by my brother, Mr Walter Balcalquall ; the whole bookes, clothes,
houshold geir, and other goods movable whatsomever conteaned in
the saids two inventars, to be sett to reasonable prices, and to be
sold at the sight and appointment of my saids executers and intro-
metters : and that part therof, which sail of right be judged by them
to apperteane to me, sail be divided into foure equall portiouns,
and parted to my wife and three childrein, to bring them up in
the feare of God at the schooles, in suche companie as their wis-
doms sail thinke most meete and expedient.
" And as tuiching the gold and silver presentlie in my possessioun
heere, extending in the whole to the number of 76 peeces, to witt,
one Portugall ducatt, elleven rose nobles, threttie crownes estimat-
ed to 72 pound, twentie-two angels and a halfe angell, three other
new angells, two ducatts, a double pistolett, two unicorns, with
half an unicorne, a littill Scotish peece valued to twentie-six shil-
lings Scotish, an other little peece with * Jehovah' on it : Item,
six pund, threttin shillings, foure penneis sterline of English coine.
Which peeces of gold, and summe of English silver, I have com-
mitted to the credit of my faithfull brother, Mr Walter Balcal-
quall, to be disposed as followeth : —
" To Avitt, Imprimis, Yee sail deliver to the Frenche kirk at Lon-
don thi'ce angells, to be distributed to their poore. Item, To Mais-
tresse Vannoll, who keeped me in my sicknesse, an angell. Item,
I will that my loving brother, Mr James Carmichaell, sail bow a
rose noble instantlie, and deliver it to my deere brother and loving
friend, Mr AValter Balcalquall, who hath beene so carefull of me at
all times, and cheefelie in time of this my present sicknesse ; to
remaine with him as a perpetuall tokin and remembrance of my
speciall love and thankfull heart towards him. Item, I will that
the said Mr Walter deliver, in my name, to my deere and weil-
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 207
beloved spous, Jonet Guthrie, beside other provisioun made, or
that may fall unto her by my testament, the Portugall ducat, in
signe of my loving kindnesse, which she hath well deserved, as a
faithfull brother gave the same unto me as a pledge of his singular
love towards me.
" And as tuiching the peeces of gold and English silver resting
of the summe forsaid, I will that the said Mr Walter deliver the sa-
mine honafide to my said executers, together with the said inventar,
goods, and geare therin conteaned, by receaving sufficient discharge
therof for his warrant from the said executers. Which gold and
silver resting, I will that my executers bestow in maner following :
Imprimis, To my sister, Christian LoAvsone, the summe of twentie
punds Scotish ; and all the rest to be equallie parted in three por-
tions among my three bairnes, providing alwise that the recom-
pence of the physicians, apothecareis, and whatsomever expences
necessar sail be made in the time of my sickenesse, or sail be
auchtand by me in Londoun, when it sail please God to call me
out of this valley of miserie, which is my onlie debt, and which I
am auchtand presentlie, or expences in transporting of my graith
home, be first payed by my brother, Mr Walter Balcalquall, at the
sight of the said brethrein, of the readiest of the said summe, which
sail be defalked therof by the saids executers, after the sight of
the ticket therof by the said brethrein, which I will sail be a suffi-
cient discharge to him for the samine.
'' Last, I earnestlie requeist my loving brethrein, Mr Andrew Mel-
vill, Mr Johne Davidsone, and Mr James Carmichaell, to concurre
with my brother, Mr Walter Balcalquall, in revising my writts,
bookes, and papers, als weill at Londoun as elliswhere, and use the
samine as they thinke may serve best to the glorie of God and
comfort of his kirk. And to that end, my will is, that my saids
executers deliver them thankfuUie in their hands, giving power
also to my said executers to putt this my testament, if need be, in
more exqui it and ample forme, with all clauses requisite, the sub-
stance alwayes being reserved. In witnesse and verificatioun of
this my testament and constant will in the premises, and in confir-
208 calderwood's iiistorie 1584.
matioun of my testament, writtin at my requeirft by my brother,
Mr James Carmichaell, I, the said Mr James LoAvsone, have sub-
scrived the same Avith my hand, and desired my good and trustie
freinds, Mr Andrew Melvill, Proveist of the New Colledge of St
Andrewes, Mr James Carmichaell, minister of God's Word at
Hadinton, Mr Johne Davidsone, minister of God's AYord at Lib-
berton, Mr Walter Balcalquall, my college in the ministrie of Edin-
burgh, to testifie the same by their hand-writts ; which they also
did in my presence, after we had all heard the same distinctlie read,
day, moneth, yeere, and place forsaid."
(^Sic suhscrihitur)
J. LowsoNE — (called to the Lord.)
Mr Andrew Melvill, witnesse in the premisses.
Mr James Carmichaell, witnesse in the premisses.
Mr Johne Davidsone, witnesse in the premisses.
Mr Walter Balcalquall, witnesse in the premisses.
The Bishop of St Andrewes, Mr Patrik Adamsone, forged a tes-
tament in Mr James Lowson's name, wherin he brought him in
repenting of his former courses, and exhorting ministers, noble
men, and others, to embrace the estat of bishops.^
CLAUD HAMMILTON RETURNETH HOME.
There was moyen made to bring home Claud Hammilton, and
that by Seton his father-in-law, who at this time was ambassader
in France, by my Lord Huntlie his sister sonne, and Sir Johne
Matlane, then secretare, and that without Arran's knowledge, as
was supposed. He came to Scotland the thrid of November, upon
the king's simple promise, without the knowledge of the (^ueen
and Counsell of England, or his owne brother, the Commendatar
of Arbrothe. The Queen of England had bestowed upon him 500
pund sterline by yeere, and therefore his ingratitude Avas inexcus-
' For a copy of this forged testament, see Appendix.
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 209
able. Arran was not contented with his comming, and therefore
he was confynned in the North with Hunthe. Sir Johne MatLane
draweth Pluntlie to court, to outmatche Arran in counsell ; but
Arran caried away the prize, becaus of HuntHe's follie.
MINISTERS URGED TO SUBSCRIVE OBEDIENCE TO THEIR ORDINAR.
Upon the secund of November, all the ministers betuixt Stirline
and Beruick Avere sunnnouncd, by opin proclamatioun, in sindrie
burrow touns, to compeere before the Archbishop of St Andrewes,
or other the king's officers, in the kirk of Edinburgh, the sixteene
day of the same moneth. Everie minister was particularlie certi-
fied, that if they subscrived not a certan obligatioun, the copie
wherof was givin them, that their benefices and stipends sould be
decerned and declared to vaike, ipso facAo, as if they were natural-
lie dead. They compeered. Sir Johne Matlane assured them
the king commended their modestie, and conceaved an assured
trust of their obedience. He willed them to come to the Palace of
Halyrudhous at two honres, and they would heare the same out of
the king's owne mouth. They went doun at the time appointed.
The king went to the counsell. The ministers were called in to
the chappell, where they remained the space of half an houi-e.
Then the Clerk of Register came, and desired all beneficed mini-
sters to come in to the counsell. They thoght that, for feare of
losse of their benefices, they might be easilie perswaded. They
stayed not long. Then the unbeneficed ministers were called
upon. The king made an harang to them, the summe wherof was
this: — "I have sent for j^ou for two causes ; the one is ordinarie,
the other accidentarie. The ordinarie is, becaus at this time of
yeere yee are accustomed to have your stipends appointed ; and I
am minded that yee sail be als weill provided as before, and better.
The other caus is, becaus it is come to my eares that yee speake
against my lawes, and that I minde to subvert religioun. I thought
good to certifie you of the contrare, and desire you not to suspect
me. Beside, there are certane whisperings and mutineis among
VOL. IV. O
210 calderwood's historie 1584.
my subjects, raised by suche as have attempted against my autho-
ritie. Therefore, I desire you to pcrswade all my subjects to obe-
dience, and to goe before them your selves in obeying my lawes."
It was answered, They would obey him and his lawes so farre as
they agreed with the law of God. Then his face swelled, and he
said, " I trow I have made no lawes but agreeable with God's
lawes ; and, therefore, if anie of you find fault, tell me now."
They keeped silence, but that some said they were not privie to
the making of these lawes. The king answered, he thought them
not worthie. After some proud words givin them, they were re-
moved. Soone after the bishop came to the counsell doore, and
bade them attend upon the Exchecker Hous. Manic of them were
discontented that they had not entered in particulars, and told the
king that the acts were against God's law ; and minded on the
raorne to have givin him their minde in writt. But that night it
was concluded in counsell that they sould all subscrive on the
morne obedience to their ordinar. Upon the day following the
ministers were called. A great number hearing wherewith they
were to be urged, compeered not, and these who compeered refused
to subscrive, except Mr Alexander Hume, Person of Dumbar, Mr
George Hepburne, Person of Hawche, Mr Patrick Gaits, Person
of Dunce, Mr George Ramsay, Deane of Restalrig, Mr Walter
Hay, Proveist of the Bathans, Mr James Hammilton, minister of
Rathow, Alexander Foster, minister of Tranent, Alexander Lawder,
minister of Lawder, Michaell Bonkill, minister of Innerweeke, Mr
Cuthbert Bonkill, minister of Spott, Thomas Dale, minister of
Stent on, with diverse readers, who were all preests before. The
tenor of the promise and obligation followeth : — " Wee, the bene-
ficed men, ministers, readers, and maisters of schooles and col-
ledges, testifie and promise by these our hand-writts, our humble
and duetifull submissioun and fidelitie to our soverane lord, the
king's Majestic, and to obey with all humilitie his Hienesse' acts of
his late parliament holdin at Edinburgh, the 22d of May, anno
158 1 yeeres ; and that according to the same, we sail show our
obedience to our ordinar bishop or commissioner appointed, or to
1584. or THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 211
be appointed by his Majestic, to have the exercise of the spirituall
jurisdictioun in our diocic. And incace of our inobedience in the
premisses, our benefices, livings, and stipends, to vaike, ipso facto,
and qualified and obedient persons to be provided in our rowmes,
as if we were natiu'allie dead." Upon the 23d of November, the
payment of the stipends of ministers who had refused to subscrive
was discharged, and power givin to the Collector-Generall to in-
tromett and tak up the same to his Majestie's use.
[Messrs Robert Pont, Adam Johnston, Nicoll Dagleish, William
Powrie, Andrew Simsone, Patrik Simsone, his sonne, Johne Clap-
perton, Johne Craig, and Patrik Kinloquhy, were charged to com-
peere the seventh of December. They compeered all, except Mr
Robert Pont, Mr Adam Johnstoun, and Mr Nicoll Dagleish, who
a little before were putt in waird. The king enquired why they
would not subscrive his statuts ? They answered, they had rea-
sons, otherwise they would not have disobeyed. They desired two
or three dayes' delay to gather their reasons, and to give them in
with one consent, subscrived with their owne hands. The king,
by advice of the bishop, refused. Therefore, as manie as had them
in writt, gave them in that same day. The bishop penned an an-
swere and resolutioun, which was read by Mr Patrick Kinloquhy,
Mr Andrew Simsone, and his sonne, Mr Patrik. He desired a
copie, Avhich was refused. The king at lenth assured them that
would not subscrive, they sould not onlie lose their livings, but also
be banished the countrie.']
" To our soverane, the king's Majestic, and his weill-advised
counsell, Messrs Johne Craig, Robert Pont, Andrew Sim-
sone, Patrik Kinloquhy, Nicoll Dagleish, Adam Johne-
stoun, Johne Clapperton, William Powrie, Patrick Sim-
sone, ministers of the Evangell of Jesus Christ, and your
Hienesse' subjects.
'• In the original a pen has been drawn through these sentences enclosed within
brackets, which, however, we have retained, as necessary to explain and illustrate
the succeeding address of the ministers.
212 calderwood's iitstorie 1584.
" The Lord our God, for liIs mercies' sake, grant that Ave may-
discharge our consciences faithfullie, and that your Majestic may
heare us with clemencie and patience, and follow the rule of equitie,
according to his AVord, in all your Hienesse' proceedings, to the
glorie of his name, satisfeing of the hearts of the godlie, and ad-
vancement of the kingdome of his Sonne, Jesus Chi'ist, our onlie
Lord and Saviour. Amen.
" We rander thankes unto our God alwayes in our prayers, that
it hath pleased him to move your Hienesse' heart with clemencie
to heare us our reasons and alledgances, whereby we are moved to
make scruple and doubt to subscrive a certan letter and obligatioun
offered to some of our brethrein to be subscrived, concerning obe-
dience to be givin to Patrik, Archbishop of Sanct Andrewes, their
alledged ordinar, and obedience to your Hienesse' lawes, as at
more lenth is conteaned in that writting. For avc are perswaded
by this your Majestie's gentle dealing, your Hienesse' minde to be
allwayes to yeeld and give place to the truthe, and to have respect
unto the equitie of our cans, and not to the persons amongst whom
this controversie is moved. In the w^hich minde, we pray the
Lord to continue your Majestic to the end. But we mervell not a
little, and can not passe it over with silence, that we, and our
brethrein who meane truelie, are traduced and blazoned in publict
places, and at mercat croces, as seditious persons, restlesse spirits,
troublers of your Hienesse' commoun wealth, and disobeyers of
your Majestie's lawes. Farre be it from us to commit anie suche
thing, whereby we may be justlie so accused. But seing your
Majestie's good minde toward us in the same, willing us to have
place to putt our minde in writt, and wishing us to be resolved of
all scruple of this weightie mater of our consciences, we will suppose
these evill-favoured and slanderous termes to come rather of the
penner of the letter, or some sinistruous informations givin to him by
suche as love us not, nor the glorie of our God, (whose name we pro-
fesse, and whose servants, although unworthie, we avow our selves
to be,) than of your Majestic and wcill-advised counsell. We will
leave that mater to the righteous Judge, who knoweth the secreits
1584. OF THE KIIIK OF SCOTLAND. 213
of all our hearts. And, as concerning our duetifuU obedience to
your Hienesse, we tmst there is none of us but, after our small
power, we have givin proofFe and declaratioun therof to the world
at all times, and purpose to continue.
" Now to the mater wherefore we are called. First, we protest,
in so farre as we, onlie a few number of the ministrie, are charged
to raak answere in this weightie mater, that whatsoever we sail
answere therin be not prejudiciall to our brethrein. And we would
desire your Majestic most earnestlie, in the feare of our God, to
give licence to all the whole Assemblie of the kirk within your
Hienesse' realme, that by commoun consent this cans concerning
the whole policie and order of the kirk may be treatted and rea-
souned ; and that libertie may be granted to all these of the mini-
strie who are not heere now, to reasoun in this mater, and can not
otherwise be justlie accused, but in so farre as they resist the new
brought in tyrannic of the bishops, and labour for the maintenance
of the true discipline of the kirk, that they may be present at suche
a day as your Majestie pleaseth appoint to that effect. But if we
all wayes sail be constrained to answere instantlie, for our owne
parts, although we be most willing to satisfie your Majestie so farre
as lyeth in us, yitt we thlnke it verie strange that we sould be
charged with subscriptiouns of the lawes and acts of parliament,
seing that was never required of before of no subject within this
realme. Ami we being lieges unto your Majestie, if we offend
against the lawes, we may be punished according to llie lawes.
And manic lawes there be, and statuts of parliameiit, that never
passe in practise, bccaus they are not thought expedient for the
commoun weale, and are revocable at the will of the prince and
estats. And, therefore, to urge us with this ncAve forme of sub-
scriptioun, we suppose it not to be your Majestie's will, being weill
advised.
" Secundarilie, If so be your Majestie will urge us to subscrive
your lawes, Ave offer with obedience, also most humblie in that part
by a generall obligatioun, adding alwise this one claus, ' agreeable
to God^s Word ; which obedience was offered unto your Majestie
214 caldeuwood's historie 1584.
when the ministers were called last before your Hienesse, by some
of our number, in name of the rest, and your Majestic promised to
geeke no farther of us.
" Thridlie, As tuiching tlie entituled Archbishop of St Andre wes,
called in the letter our ordinar, we answerc, that we can not, with
good conscience, obey him in suche an office as he pretendeth, for
these causes following : — First, nather the titles of Archbishop nor
Ordinar can we find agreeable to the Word of God. For that
word Archbishop, by the interpretatioun therof, importeth a name
of superioritie and lordship amongst the servants of God, which
the Scriptures denie to be givin to anie man in the spirituall regi-
ment of the kirk, as though they sould usurpe ambitioun and supe-
rioritie over their brethrein's faith and consciences, who are mini-
sters with them of the true Word of God, seing that office apper-
teaneth to Christ alone. And concerning the appellatioun and
name of Ordinar, we can not find it in the Scriptures, nor in anie
godlie writters, but onlie in the Pop's decrees and canon law.
Which papisticall constitutiouns and jurisdictiouns are utterlie ab-
rogated furth of this realme by the acts of parliaments, holdin als
Weill in your Majestie's mother's, as in the first yeere of your
Hienesse' owne raigne. And becaus these monstruous titles of
superioritie in the kirk of God engendred the Popedome, and is
like to engender a new little Popedome in your Hienesse' realme,
being once reformed according to the Word of God and sinceritie
therof, we cannot of good conscience yeeld, nor give place to suche
ambitious titles, pretended by men that seeke their owne ambitioun
and greedie gaines.
" But to leave the names, and come to the substance of the
mater it self, we say and affirmc, liolding us upon the ground of
God's Word and eternall truthe, that it is against the Scripture to
a man to claime superioritie above his brether, who are yocke fel-
lowes with him in the ministrie, and office of teaching. For this
name Et/cxoto^, which we call Bishop, is interpreted an Overseer of
the flocke of God. And this office is all one with the office of the
ministers, who are all overseers of the flocke of God likewise.
1584. OF THE KlUK OF SCOTLAND. 215
This is proved by the admonltioun of St Paul made to the elders
of the Kirk of Ephesus, Avhome he called all jt/^xotous, in the 2()th
of the Acts. And, in the salutatioun of the Epistle to the Philip-
pians, [he] saluteth the bishops, all the pastors of that kirk ; and
unto Titus he writteth, that he sould constitute elders throughout
the citeis of Creta, whom, immediatlie therafter, he calleth bishops.
Sua that it is plaine by the Scriptures, elders and bishops are
synonyma, and the office all one. So if these bishops that now
would move your Majestic to alter the order of the kirk, of before
alreadie established within your Hienesse' realme, and increassing
with great fruict of good discii)line, would contend with us, and
make the Word of God judge, (as it sould be in maters of reli-
gioun,) we doubt not but our cause sould be easilie winne. But
becaus they leave the Scriptures, and flee to consuetude, alledging
it to be an old custome that bishops have beene superiours to the
rest of these who are called Preshyteri, we denie not but this hath
beene an old errour. But we deny that therefore it sould be now
reteanned in the kirk of God ; for an evill consuetude, the older it
be, it is the worse. And, seing it is not agreeable to the Sci'ipture,
it ought to be abrogated, as is plaine by the authoriteis cited in the
eight distinctioun of the decrees of Gratian.
" And when as these men would have your Majestic to follow
the custome of other countreis, in that behalfe, in placing bishops
above the rest of the ministrie, although the argument and exemple
seerae plausible at the first face, yitt, if the mater be rightlie con-
sidered, they labour to derogat a great part of your Hienesse' hon-
our in that point, and to staine that notable fame, which your Ma-
jestic and your realme hath had hitherto embraced and receaved
with more puritie and sinceritie in Scotland than manie other
realmes. And seing the order of discipline, which was putt in prac-
tice with so great fruict these yeeres bypast amongst us, was most
agreeable to God's Word, and the kirk thereby reteaned in quiot-
nesse and good order, without anie schisme, these men who am-
bitiouslie and seditiouslie would bring in a new order, or rather
misorder, not being agreeable nor avowable, according to God's
216 calderwood's histokie 1584.
Word, ought not to be heard ; nather, cliinming to suche pre-
eminencic above their brethrein, to be receaved nor admitted. For
is ic not a great honour and prerogative to your Ilicnesse, that
other countreis sould receave from your reahne and the practise
therof, the paterne and exemple of good governement, and weill
reformed order in the kirk ? And, by the contrare, is it not a great
mislyking to all godlie hearts, to hcare tell that your Majestic, being
so brought up in the feare of God, even from your infancie, sould
now declyne to the corruption of other countreis, and from the
better to the worse ; altering that good order of discipline and ec-
clesiasticall governement which hath beene receaved and used of
before, according to God's Word ; and bring in place therof (at
the appetite of some ambitious and greedie men) a new forme of
ecclesiasticall governement, taikin from the puddells of men's tra-
ditions, and corruptiouns of other countreis ? For all that these
men can s^y, for maintenance of this kinde of tyrannic over the
kirk of God, is, that that sort had beene observed in manic coun-
treis for a long time ; that bishops have had the governement of
the kirk in suche sort as they would have them to be ; and produce
certan old "writters for proving of the same, as Epiphanius, and
others. To the which we answere, that the authoritie of men can-
not be of so great a weight to diminishe the truthe of the W^ord of
God : and the reasons Avhich Epiphanius bringeth in (although we
reverence him otherwise, as an ancient doctor of the kirk) are of
so little weight in that point, that verie babes may easilie refute
the samine.
" And where as they alledge out of Jerome, that to take away
schismes and confusiouns out of the kirk, these kinde of bishops
were brought in, to have superioritie in the same — giving it so was,
we denie that they were suche kinde of bishops as these men desire
to be, that in Jerom's dayes were placed in the kirk. For it is
manifest by the ancient writters, that the bishops which then were
used no office in the kirk them alone, but did all things by advice
of their presbytereis, as Cyprian tcstifieth of himself in his Epistles ;
and it was for caus of order onlie (as he speeketh) that one was
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 217
constituted out of the presbyterie, to gather the votes, and mode-
rat the whole actioun and course of disciphne and ecclesiastical
governement : Avhich thing, hitherto, hath beene observed also in
our Assembleis. And if, for removing of schismes, suche bishops
were first constituted, as they affirme, for the same cans, now they
ought to be discharged : for there Avei'e no schismes nor divisioun
of mindes in the kirk reformed within this countrie, till these, by
claiming to themselves the cheefe places, and superioritie above
others, had brought it in. And yitt, if it will please your Majestic
to suffer the former order and policie which was in our kirks, agree-
able to the Word of God, and practise of the primitive kirk, to
stand, all schisme and divisioun among us would be easilie taikin
away. And, farther, we have to say in special!, against the person
of Patrik, called Bishop or Archbishop of Sanct Andrewes, that
though it T/ere laAvfull to us to rander obedience to such bishops,
we can not submitt our selves to him, nor to his injunctiouns ; for
he is, for just causes, lawfullie suspended from all functioun and
office in the kirk, by decreit of the Generall Assemblie, Avhichthen
by the lawes of the rcalme had place, the which decreit hitherto
he hath never sought to be retreated.
" And as to your Majestie's other commissioners to be deputed
in ecclesiasticall causes, we can say nothing to them till we know
wliat they are to be deputed by your Majestic. For if it be con-
cerning temporall effaires, and rents of the kirk, we regarde not
muche who be deputed therin. But if it be concerning maters of
conscience, and these things that properlie perteane to the kirk,
et ad sj)iritualem jurisdictionem ecclesicBj we can not by the Word of
God acknowledge others judges, but those who have the spirituall
sword of the Word of God committed unto them by the samine
Word, who are ministers therof, and constituted in ecclesiasticall
functioun. For the keyes of the kingdome of heaven, Avith power
to bind and loose in maters of conscience, are not givin by our
Maister, Jesus Christ, to civill magistrats nor their deputs, but to
the apostles and their lawfull successors, as is manifest by the
Scrip turs.
218 caldeuwood's htstoiue 1584.
" Sir, it will please your Majestie to consider, and take in good
part, these our few reasons which, for the shortnesse of time, we
offer most humblie with this our writting, leaving to amplifie the
samine farther at this time, least we sould fashe your Grace and
counsell ; hoping alwise, that after the diligent weyghing of our
cans, your Grace and all good hearts sail be satisfied. For there
is nothing unto us so deere under that obedience which we ought
to our God, (who of necessitie must haA-e the first place,) nixt to
rander all obedience to your JVIajestie and to your Hienesse' good
lawes. And we will presume in your Hienesse' clemencie to find
the like favour, as the Christians found of Constantius, the father
of Constantine the Great, who, being but halfe a Christian, and
who never publictlie by the law receaved true religioun, sett furth
an edict, commanding all Christians, that bare anie publict oflfice
under him, to refuse their religioun, or ellis to give over their
honours and oflfices, and stipends perteaning thereto. But, finallie,
he reteanned them in oflfice who would rather yeeld the temporall
commoditie willinglie, than give over their religioun ; and deposed
the other sort, saying this notable sentence, that ' They who were
not true unto God, would never be true unto men.' Sir, your
Majestie knoweth Avhat we meane. The Lord, for his merceis' sake,
direct your Hienesse' heart unto the best, as we hope assuredlie
He will : to whome be all praise and glorie for ever. Amen."
Mr Patrik Galloway came from London to Newcastell, to the
lords, about the end of August, and celebrated the Communioun
the last Sabboth of August, after the exercise of fasting preceeding
the whole weeke before. In the moneth of November, Mr James
Melvill was desired by the lords to remaine a while at Berwicke,
becaus the halfe of their companie was there, and his wife great
with childe, and they had Mr Patrik with them to supplee his
place. The Abbots of Cambuskenneth, Dryburgh, and Paisley,
George Dowglas of Parkheid, and diverse others gentlemen, were
then resident at Berwick. Mr James went to Berwick, and was
exercised in privat, becaus he was discharged by the Lord Houns-
den, governour, to preache publictlie, at the instigatioun of Captan
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 219
James, Erie of Arran, Ch.inceller of Scotland, and great gulder of
the court. Whill Mr James is at Berwick, and in time of modi-
ficatioun of stipends, was sett doun the forme of a band, which it
behoved the ministers to subscrive, as is above specified. A great
number of the ministrie kythed verie weak. A number refused
and withstood, of whom some advertised Mr James, then resident
at Berwick, and sent him the band, with informatioun of all other
proceedings. Mr James being muche moved, sent the letter fol-
lowing, together with a letter in Latine, and the controverseis
gathered to a few conclusions, confirmed with manifold reasons
and places of Scripture, to the archbishop's mewche,' Mr Alexander
Hume, minister of Dumbar, provoking him to ansAvere if he could ;
or, if not, to desire his ordinar, the archbishop, to doe it himself.
" To the brethrein of the ministrie of Scotland, who have
latelie subscrived to the Popish supremacie of the king, and
ambitious tyrannic of the bishops over their brethrein, J.
M. wisheth unfained repentance.
" There are strange newes latelie reported to us, (my brethrein,)
that yee sould have altogether without strokes yeelded to the ad-
versarie ; and not onlie by word consented, but also by the sub-
scriptioun of your hands confirmed, that horrible boundage and sla-
verie, wherinto our Kirk of Scotland is brought by the late Acts
of Parliament, and this present intolerable tyrannic of the false
bishops. The which (undoubtedlie brought upon you by Satan,
the adversar of Christ's kingdome) hath beene wrought by the
meanes, ather of malice and hatred against the truthe knowne, or
of ignorance, or then, of great weaknesse.
" Truelie, my brethrein, albeit I know that of them who were
Satan's instruments, by feare and flatterie to bring you to so feare-
full a fall and greevous slaunder, some be now Julians, who, al-
though they confesse they know the truthe of the sincere religioun
of Christ, yitt, for malice and hatred conceaved against it, and the
' Maggot — a contemptuous term for a parasite.
220 calderwood's iustokie 1584.
ministers therof, they Iiad rather beene of the Turke's faith than of
the faith of ministers ; and, therefore, following the footesteps of
Julian, they persecute the same maliciouslie, taiking the livings
from the ministers, casting them in prisson, banishing them the
countrie, overthrowing the schooles and seminareis appointed ibr the
continuance therof, and would undoubtedlie, with fire and sword,
persue the samine, if force and power answered to their incensed
ire and bloodie appetite. Some are more leing, flattering, and am-
bitious, than was Amaziali, the preest of the king's cliappell at
Bethell, who, perceaving the prophets of the Lord to prophecie
against King Jeroboam's new forged religioun, (by serving of
which his ^mbitioun and gluttonie was mainteaned,) he ceassed
not to invent treasoun, seditioun, and all sort of lees against them,
and make the king to banish, imprisson, and persecute them with
all kinde of rigour: more avaritious and worse minded against
God's childrein than Balaam, the false prophet, cursing, and devis-
ing all meanes to make the people of the Lord to fall in the hands
of their enemeis ; and furnishing to Balack wicked and devilish
counsell, to entise them to defectioun from the true worshipping,
and so to sinne against God, to mak the fire of his wrathe kindle
against them : and, finallie, more rashe and voide of good con-
science, in maters of religioun, than was Uriah the preest, who
thou'i-ht idolatrous King Achaz's command a warrant good eneugh
for him to displace the altar of the Lord, and sett in the rowme
therof one new dressed according to the forme of the altar of
Damascus : some, worse nor the godlesse athiest, Machiavell, who,
careing in their sleeves most cunning court craft, make nothing of
God, Christ, and religioun, with the ministers therof, but paidges
and slaves to serve their turnes. For, if they may make for their
course, and suche an estat of governement as they would have,
then they Avill speeke weill, and greatlie esteeme of them. But if
they can doe nothing for their purpose, or cannot sufl^er their wicked
attempts, or will not cliange and alter opinions Avhen they will,
then can they not be suffered in a commoun weale ; they are ene-
meis to princes and lawfuU authoriteis ; they are seditious, proud.
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 221
and treasonable, and therefore must to exile, banishment, prlsson,
and scaffold. To these, hell is but a boggill to fley bairns, and
heaven but a conceate to make fooles faine : and last, more ethnick
nor Numa Pompilius, esteeming religioun and Avorshipping of God
but a superstitious terrour to the consciences of people, to hold
them in aw, and under obedience.
" This, I say, although they be tliat worke in this mater by ma-
lice and haired, judged and damned of themselves, and whose por-
tioun sail be with the fore-named workers of iniquitie, to Avhom
they are like in life and doing, yitt can yee not be purged from
communicating with their fearefull sinnes, in so farre as ye have
consented therunto by word and writt : wheras, yee sould rather
have obeyed the Word of God, commanding by his prophet, ' Say
not, a confederacie with this people ; nathcr feare yee their feare,
nor be affrayed of them, but sanctifie the Lord of Hosts, and lett
Him be your dread.' (Is. viii.) Surelie, he sould have beene unto
you as a sanctuarie, and unto them a stumbling-blocke, and a rocke
to fall upon.
^' Gladelle would I purge you, my brethrein, of this first meane of
malice and hatred against the truthe, and the mainteaners therof.
And, alace ! that anie occasioun sould ever have beene offered, once
to thinke this of anie of that number. But what shall I say, when
I heare that some of you have not onlie subscrived your selves, but
also like desperat pest folkes, destituted of Christian charitie, travell
to seduce and infect suche as are whole, and Avould keepe the right
way ; and betray the constancie of the best, by delating them to
the persecuter, and that not onlie by telling the truthe, but by
trattles, lees, and forged tales, like Avorldlie pykethanks, to make
your godlie brethrein ather to make defectioun with you, or then
to suffer extremitie in their bodeis ? Alace for sorrow ! Where are
the fruicts of that doctrine of love and charitie ? Where is the
hatred of malice and homicide ? Alace ! these are rather the
markes of bloodie burrioes, and cruell butchers of Satan, the leer
and murtherer, than of the disciples of Christ ; the tokins of
Turkes, Pagans, and Papists, than of Christian people, to lett be
222 calderwood's iiistorie 1584.
preachers and instructers of others. Woe is me for you, unlesse
thes^^e things be repented in time ! Behold what it is to sHde but
a Httle from the truthe, and make a schisme in opinioun from the
brethrein. When Satan getteth once entreis, to make untruthe
and falshood seeme to be borne withall, and yeelded unto but a
little, he goeth fordward incontinent, and begetteth in the heart an
hatred and malice against the truthe and professors therof. Be-
ware, beware, my brethrein ; marke Satan's craftie dealing : caste
out with him, and resist him in time, least he gett the advantage,
and prevaile, and make the last worse nor the first. ' For if we
sinne willinglie, after we have receaved the knowledge of the truthe,
there remaineth no more sacrifice for sinne, but a fearefull looking
for of judgement and violent fire, to devoure the adversareis.*
(Heb. X.)
" Alwise, my brethrein, I would willinglie heare you all purged
of malice. But I know some will say, ' I knew no better, and un-
derstood never throughlie the maters of the discipline ; and if I
have failed, it is of ignorance, and not of malice.' Certainlie, al-
beit I feare that to be true in over manic of you, yitt it is a shame-
full thing to be heard told in your owne countrie, and abroad in
other natiouns, that yee who have beene brought up in so notablie
constituted a kirk these twentie-six yeeres, (in which some of you
also have beene pastors and teachers,) or not muche lesse, and all
have borne functioun and charge, not onlie in preaching the
Word, but in discharging that other als necessar point of your
ministrie, in ruling and governing of the kirk, with your fellow-
brethrein, these manic yeeres bypast ; to say, that yee are yitt
ignorant of the ecclesiasticall jurisdictioun and spirituall authori-
tie of the kingdom of Christ, and how it difFereth from the
temporall, bodilie, and civill policie ; what is the part and duetie
of the Christian magistrat in the kirk ; and namelie, whether he
ouo-ht to be made a new Pope, to use tyrannic over the kirk and
consciences of men of the ecclesiastical functiouns ; and if that Sa-
tanicall presumptioun and pride of false bishops may be tolerated
in the kirk of Jesus Christ, which, from the dayes of Constantino,
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 223
(by whose more zealous affectioun than considerate wisdome they
got worldlie riches and honour,) hath Infected the kirk, not onlie
with all kind of vices against the Secund Table, but also hath rent
and divided the samine with sects, schisms, hereseis, and dissen-
siouns, by their ambitious debates, ever striving for state, who might
be highest and greatest. After that once that command and law of
equalltie givin by Christ was transgressed and violated, they never
ceased untlU the time they had holsed up that Man of Sinne into
the throne and rowme of that onlie Supreme Ruler and Head, the
Lord Jesus : for bishops would be archbishops, and they metropo-
litans, and they patriarchs, and so Popes. Yee conveened your-
selves in Generall and Provlnclall Assembleis, and Presbytereis, to
which, yeerelie, half yeerelle, and weeklie, yee resorted, as ordinar
members and charge bearers within the same ; and yitt can not
tell what ground, warrant, or authoritie, yee did the same upon, as
though yee sould plalnlle say, yee did it not In faith ; and so often
yee sinned and abused these holle conventiouns of the kirk of
Christ !
" To your great reprooffe I must cull to minde the notable occa-
siouns of atteaning to knowledge in these maters that God offered
unto you ; but in love, (as of God his glorie, so of your soules,) as
God mot love myne. For by and attour your j)rivat studeis in
reading of the Scriptures, and so manie learned men's writtings on
these points, agreeing all in effect In most sweet harmonic, (wher-
into, if yee had beene als dillgentlle occupied as God gave time
and occasloun, yee needed not to alledge ignorance for an excuse,)
how were these heads handled publlctlie in the Assembleis ? Was
not the Generall Assemblle, by the space of six or seven yeeres al-
most, hotelle occupied in these questions ? Were not the mini-
sters, in all the quarters of the countrle, earnestlie exhorted,- and by
publict authoritie commanded, to search and seeke the Scriptures
dillgentlle, and all kinde of writters, old and new, for finding furth
of the sollde and undoubted truthe ? Were there not conferences
appointed to be had In all parts among the brethreiu, In their week-
lie exercise and provlnclall assembleis, from which, men weill in-
224 calderwood's historie 1584.
structed with reasons, and the judgement of the rest, were sent
from time to time to the Generall Assemblie, where, both by pri-
vat and open reasoning, the opiniouns and sentences of all men
were examined and tried, through everie heed of the discipline of
the kirk ; and after long and often reasoning, all put on voting, and,
by whole and uniforme consent and agreement of the whole kirk
in a Generall Assemblie, concluded, and digested in conclusions,
and inregistrated in the bookes of the said Assemblie, and exti'act
therof ordeaned to be givin to everie presbyterie throughout the
realme ? \A'hether if this, joyned v/ith the continuall practise of the
self-same discipline these diverse yeercs bypast, may make us in-
excusable before God, his kirk, and angels, the verie blind world
may judge.
" Alas ! deere brethrein, yee may weill, for a short time, thinke
you in good estat that learned not ; becaus, as yee thinke, with
lesse pricke of conscience, and dangers of bodeis and geir, yee may
passe over these evill dayes. But, O foolishnesse ! putt the cace,
yee might putt off in this maner manie thowsand yeeres ; once sail
come the day, Avhen yee sail be forced to compeere before that
great Judge, and give accompt of discharging of that most high
calling, when accompt sail be craved of all the idle houres, words,
and doings, that yee have spent. Sail yee not be then ashamed of
that wherinto yee now take pleasure ? Sail not this sillie ease be
turned in wanrest ? Sail ignorance then be an excuse before Him,
who sail shew himself from heaven, with the angels of his might,
in flamming fire, to take vengeance on them that have not knowne
him ; namelie, on suche as have neglected and despised so manie
good occasions of knowledge ministred unto them ? What sail the
flatterie and authoritie of your king and bishop then availl ? No-
thing, but to be partakers of judgement as of sinne, except repent-
ance interveene
" Oh, my brethrein ! yee are farther in the mist with this igno-
rance than yee suppose. For what hope sail Satan have now, (of
whose force, craft, and bussinesse, yee so oft warne your hearers,)
to make you to yeeld, in the verie points of the doctrine of salva-
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 225
tion, seing he hath found you so easie to be overcome in the
cace of the discipline, Avherof yee have no lesse sure warrant
and ground referring to the mater in the Word of God, if you
had list to have learned ! What encouragement sail it be to Pa-
pists, who have not beene negligent in learning the untruthe, and
studeing the controverseis in their seminareis, and who now
daylie provoke us to the combat ; when they see but a little threat-
ning of the prince, not of life, but living, and a small peece of flat-
terie of a false bishop is able to shake you from your grounds,
and make you to fall for laike of knowledge, yea, to suffer the wall
and block-house of your discipline to be demolished and dung
doun ; thinking (as, indeid, they may) it will be easie to make the
breache, and winne the hold of your citie, doctrine, and kirk ! Sail
they not, I say, have good cans to hope weill of the victorie and
conqueist ? Sail they not have reasoun to affirme that which they
have so often spokin and writtin, that the ministers of Scotland
are but a sort of ignorant and feeble beasts, who nather dow abide
reasoning nor threatning ? My brethrein, the devill hath made a
great breache amongst you, and with small forces and few strokes
gottin a great victorie over you ; and yitt yee will find, that he will
not content nor stay there, but, as a victor puffed up, will presse
fordward. And, therefore, in the tender merceis of God, for the
care I have of your salvatioun, extremelie endangered, now when
fame is lost and gone, I must apply unto you an extreme and hard
remedie, to plucke you, if possible, out of the clawes of Satan ; to
witt, that fearefull comminatioun of the apostle to the Hebrewes :
' It is impossible that they who were once lightened, and have
tasted of the heavenlie gift, and were made partakers of the Holie
Ghost, and have tasted of the good Word of God, and of the
power of the world to come ; if they fall away, sail be renewed
again by repentance, seing they cruclfie again to themselves the
Sonne of God, and make a mocke of him. The earth, which
drinketh up the rain that cometh upon it, and bringeth furth herbs
meete for them by whom it is dressed, receaveth a blessing of God ;
but that which beareth thornes and brears is reprobat, and neere
cursing, the end wherof is to be burnt.' Yitt, brethrein weilbeloved,
VOL. IV. P
226 calderwood's historie 1584.
we are perswaded of better things, and meete for salvatloun, of you,
howbeit, with the apostle, we thus write to terrifie you, and re-
claime and raise you from this fall, and keepe you backe from far-
ther and worse.
" Alace ! what a face sail yee have to come before the godlie
and feithfull brethrein in the countrie, when it sail please God to
deliver his owne kirk, and restore it again to the former, or better
estate ? Or rather, what a conscience or mind sail yee have, when
yee remember, or read, or heare that woe pronounced by Christ
upon them by whom slander and offence coraeth ? And O, how
manie godlie hearts, both in Scotland and England, yea in France,
and all reformed kirks, are cruellie wounded with this fact of yours,
and that not without great cans ! For, als long as the whole mini-
strie stood constant, there was good hope of a happie redresse of
maters ; but now, by this fact, yee have givin the devill entreis
within the walls of Jerusalem, to spoile and destroy all the good
and constant citicens therof, who will not defile themselves, bow
their knees to Baal, and eate swine's flesh with you. What will
yee thinke, when yee come to that verse of the 51st Psalme, ' Un-
to the wicked, (sayeth God,) what hath thou to doe to declare my
ordinances, that thou sould tak my covenant in thy mouth, seing
thou hateth discipline, and hath cast my words behind thee?*
Would to God ye sould be so moved thereby, as was the learned
Origene, who, after he had beene induced, through weaknesse, to
sacrifice to idols, therafter comming to the kirk to preache, casting
up the booke, he fell by God's providence on the same place of the
psalme, and bursting out in teares before the people, he made a most
dolorous and bitter lamentatioun and invectioun against himself; as
ye may read in his life, recorded by Suidas. And, finallie, what a
dart to your poor consciences sail that sentence of Christ be, ' He
that denieth me before men, I will denie him before my heavenlie
Father ?' for ye know, that whosoever heareth the Word of God,
and doeth it not, namelie, in the time of triell, sheweth not that he
is solidelie grounded in the same ; denyeth Christ, as he himself
teacheth, in the seventh of Mathew. Otherwise, manic sail come
unto him in that day, and say, * Lord, did avc not prophecie in thy
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 227
name? Did we not worke miracles, and cast out devills?' But he
will answere, ' I know you not : depart from me, ye workers of
iniquitie.'
" But it may be that some of you, your unhappie complices and
counsellers in this course, thinke, and will say, ' What needeth all
this adoe ? Why are yee so hote in threatning ? the mater is not of
so great weight,' &c. Alas, my brethrein ! miserable and lament-
able experience, (except God of his mercie prevent it,) I feare, sail
teache you, and the poore Kirk of Scotland, what yee have done ;
and how great and sore are the consequents that ensue upon your
fact. For, first, by the approving of that act of parliament tuiching
the king's supremacie in all causes, als weill ecclesiasticall as civill,
and no appellatioun to be made from him, yee have not onlie sett
up a new Pope, and so become tratours to Christ, and condescended
to the cheefe errour of Papistrie, wherupon all the rest dependeth,
(which, if it be not to denie and refuse Christ, I know not what it
is so to doe ;) but farther, yee have, in so doing, granted more to
the king than ever the Pops of Rome peaceablie obteaned, how
tyrannouslie and ambitiouslie so ever they sought the same. For
the Councels of Constance and Basile decreed in the Pop's face,
and by infinite arguments of reasoun and Scripture evicted, that it
was not onlie a veritie, but a point of faith, the councell to be above
the Pope, and appellations to be most lawfull from the Pope to the
councell. And so, from the Pope there were ever appellations to
the councels ruled by the Word of God and his Spirit, wherin the
true bishops, pastors, and doctors of the kirk sat, as Christ's oflS-
cers, to judge and decerne in maters ecclesiasticall, according to the
Word of God. In the which, the best Christian emperours that
ever were, Constantine and Theodosius, satt in higher degree nor
the pastors, as obedient members of the kirk, humblie to be ruled
and governed with the rest, by the scepter of the Word of God ;
and not as heads and lords, to command and rule over it, knowing
the Lord Jesus was onlie King and Emperour there. But yee
have subscrived, that whosoever, in anie mater ecclesiasticall, de-
clynneth the king and counsell's judgement, sail be reputed and
228 calderwood's iiistorie 1584.
punished as a tratour. What, I pray you, if these professed Pa-
pists and Jesuits, that flocke home out of France, Spaine, and
Italic, and find greater favour and credit in court than all the mi-
nisters ; what if they sail challenge you for the doctrine of Justifi-
catioun. Free Will, Real Presence, and the rest of the heads of re-
ligioun ? (for these are cheefe maters ecclesiasticall.) Sail the king
and his counsell be judge unto you, and no appellatioun be made,
under paine of treasoun ? What sail then, I pray you, become of
religioun and the professors therof ? Sail they not be ather forced
to denie Christ, or be made to dispute with the torments appointed
for tratours ? and syne this for a cloke to be cast over it : 'It is
not for religioun, but for high treasoun, that suche are so handled.'
Doe yee not heere espy the craft of the cruell feind, who darre not,
in this age of knowledge and light of the Gospell, oppone himself
against the truthe, as the Scribes and Pharisees durst not gainstand
the doctrine of Christ ; but seeketh, under pretence of lawes and
cloke of justice, to make the godlie and true professors and preach-
ers to be sharaefull spectacles, that thereby men may be ashamed
of the veritie of the Evangell, even as Christ was putt to death
under the name of seditioun and treasoun.
*' Secundlie, Yee have taikin away, by your subscriptiouns, the
lawfull power of the pastors, doctors, and elders of the kirk, to con-
veene themselves, in the name of no earthlie prince, nor temporall
authoritie of king, nor for no earthlie nor temporall efFaires ;
but in the name and authoritie of Jesus Christ, King of Kings,
Lord of Lords, the onlie Soverane Ruler and Commander within
the kirk, Avhich is his kingdom e spirituall, and not of this world, to
intreate of things heavenlie and eternall, which directlie concerne
the soules and consciences of men. The which power they have
of Christ plainlie in his latter will, joyning a most confortable pro-
mise against suche great difficulteis that behoved to arise in the
discharge of so high an office, ' Wheresoever two or three are con-
veened together in my name, I sail be in the middest of you.'
Leaning upon the Avhich power and promise, the apostles and dis-
ciples conveened themselves sindrie times, after the resurrectioun
1584. OF THE KIRIC OF SCOTLAND. 229
of Christ, and after his ascensioun, to choose one in the rowme of
Judas, (Acts i.) They assembled the whole congregatioun to the
electioun of the deacons, (Acts vi.) And now, after a great manie
kirks were planted, not onlie among the Jewes, but also among the
Gentiles, the apostles and elders assembled themselves in a gene-
rail councell at Jerusalem, to determine about the questioun moved
about circumcisioun, and so furth. For when the command by Christ
is givin, ather to the hearers to heare, or to the pastors to feed, or
the doctors to teache, or the elders to governe or rule, surelie, by ne-
cessitie of relatioun it must be that He giveth them also authoritie
and power, in his name, to conveene together, and with their
flockes, to that effect. So that, by that act of parliament which
dischargeth the assemblies and conventiouns of ecclesiasticall office-
bearers, is restrained that freedome which Christ Jesus hath givin
to the officers of his kingdome to conveene, for discharging the
dueteis and callings which he hath layed on them, to be used for
his service, and salvatioun of his people.
" And truelie, als weill might they have discharged the conven-
tions for hearing of the Word, and ministratioun of the Sacraments,
as for the exercise of discipline and governement of the kirk ; seing
the one is no lesse layed on the backe of the officers of Christ's
kingdome, as a speciall part of their duetie and charge, nor the
former, and hath the command and power givin to use it, no lesse
than the other, without tareing for anie authoritie or command of
men. For that which Christ so earnestlie repeateth to Peter,
(which also is commoun to all pastors,) feede, feede, feede, is
not onlie by Word and Sacraments, but also by discipline, ruling,
and governement, as the mater it self declareth the word signifieth,
and the similitude it self proveth. And what, I pray you, mean-
eth that command of Christ's, ' Tell the kirk,' (that is, the eccle-
siasticall senat, or assemblie of the office-bearers, as the learned ex-
pone it ;) ' and if he refuse to heare the kirk, lett him be unto thee
as an ethnick and publican,' if the kirk hath no power and autho-
ritie of judgement givin to it by Christ ? And that, ' I give you the
keyes of the kingdom of heaven. Whatsoever yee loose on earth,
230 calderwood's historie 1584.
gall be loosed in heaven ; and whatsoever yee bind on earth, sail
be bound in heaven.' Were these keyes givin to anie king or ma-
gistrat ? or floweth the power therof from humane ordinatioun ?
And, finallie, wliat meaneth the apostle to the Romans, (Cap. xii,,)
when he so earnestlie exhorteth everie officer in the kirk to dis-
charge their calling diligentlie ? Willeth he them to abide the com-
mandement of anie earthlie king or prince ? Na ; als freelie as the
king hath his poAver and authoritic of God, the Creator, to dis-
charge his office in things civill and temporall, als freelie have the
pastors, elders, doctors, and deacons of the kirk, power andauthoritie
of Jesus Christ, the Redeemer, to doc tlieir office, in things heaven-
lie and spirituall.
" But I purpose not, my brethrein, to insist with you in proving
maters at this time ; but talking things to be sufficientlie tried and
concluded, untill I heare anie reasons alledged by yon or anie
other, in the contrare ; I would discover unto you the fearefull con-
sequents of this your yeelding, tending to tlie wracke of Christ's
kirk, and the libertie therof. It was onlie the Assembleis and
Presbytereis (as all that feare God, yea, and the enemcis them-
selves know) that was the ordinarie meane to keepe the Kirk of
Scotland frome the pollutioun of vices, hereseis, and schismes. The
which now being taikin away, vice and wickednesse sail overflow ;
for who sail take order therewith ? The court and bishops ? als
Weill as Martin Elliot and Will of Kinmonth, Avith stealing in the
Borders ! Heresie, atheismc, and Papistric, sail breake in ; for who
sail resist it ? — the bishops ! Putt the cace, that suche who have
sold God, religioun, and heaven, for this present world and the
things therof, could have the grace to gainstand, the Atheists and
Papists, and cheefe mainteaners of Atheisme and Papistrie, will be
greater in court (for the which the bishops have their power and
authoritie, and can, nor daiTC doe nothing, without speciall com-
mand or leave therof) nor the bcggerlic bishops, and all tlicir
clergie can be. And, last, the schismes and controverscis that
arise, and are sowin by Satan, sail be no wise componncd nor ex-
tinguislied by the brotherlie and liumble conventiouns in equali-
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 231
tie, (as the happie experience of twentie-six yeeres bypast hath
proved our Assembleis to have clone ;) but contrariwise, by the
proud ambitioun and vanitie of the bishops, they sail be daylie fos-
tered, incrcassed, and augmented. The prooife and experience
wherof yee may read after the first 300 yeeres of Christ's kirk,
when the persecutions were ended, and the bishops beganne, under
Christian ernperours, to gett ease, honour, and I'iches ; and break-
ing the comraandement of Christ, beganne to usurpe lordlie autho-
ritie and pre-eminence over their brethrein. From that time (as
never of before) miserablic hath the kirk been cutt and divided by
controverseis, schismes, and hereseis ; so pernicious hath it beene
to lay aside the Word of God, and right rules of governing his
kirk, by equalitie among his pastors,
" Thridlie, Yee have consented and subscrived that these bishops
sail have the oversight and ruling of all the kirks, according to the
power which they receave of their Pope and head. Which office
hath no warrant in the Scripture of God, but is an inventioun of
Satan, brought in by ambitioun and avarice : yea, that presump-
tuous and lordlie authoritie over the rest of the brethrein is flatt
contrarie* to the Word and commandement of Christ, Matt. xx.
29, and xxvi. 24, 28 ; and Luc xxii. 24, 25, 26, 27 ; and Peter
v. 1, &c. And that mangrell medling with civill and worldlie
maters, exercising judicatour in civill and criminall causes, loudlie
cryeth, that they were never of Christ, whose kingdome is not of
this world : who refused to be made king by the people, yea, would
not so muche as divide the inheritance amongst brethrein, albeit a
charitable turne, and all for eshewing that encumbrance in earthlie
maters which might hinder him from the spirituall and heavenlie
worke of his Father, for the which he was sent. And by and at-
tour the unlawfulnesse of the office, which the Sci'ipture and nature
of the kingdome of Christ can not beare withall, the persons that
presentlie yee have subscrived obedience unto are infamous and
vile men ; not onlie of the base and cursedest sort among the people,
as were the preests of profane Jeroboam, but most dissolute and
slanderous in all their life, by whose carefulnesse in gathering up
232 CALDERW00I>'S HISTORIE 1584.
the wooll and milke, and carelessnesse in feeding of their flockes,
and evill exemple in all kinde of vice, no mervell is it if innumer-
able soules drowne in ignorance, perish in their sinnes, and live
■without God or religioun.
" Therefore, now, I beseeche you, my brethrein, rightlie to con-
sider, and deepelie to ponder this mater, whether it had beene bet-
ter to refuse, and undertake the displeasure of an earthlie prince,
who onlie hath power over the bodie, (and that no more nather
nor it pleaseth God,) and have esteemed all this world but dirt
and draffe under your feete, in respect of his love and obedience,
who could have givin you again an hundreth fold in this life, and
the life eternall to the good ; or to have consented, and incurred
the high displeasure of Christ Jesus, the great heavenly King, who,
after the bodie is slaine, may cast both it and the soule in the fire
of hell ; and the offence and detestatioun of all the godlie and faith-
full, for the shamefull denying of so good a Maister, betraying the
freedome of his kingdome, slaundering of his kirk, and offering oc-
casioun to the adversareis to triumphe, and be encouraged. Again,
I say, for God's cans and your owne salvatioun, enter in deepelie
to weygh and consider what yee have done, that the haynousnesse
of the fact may make you to abhorre your selves, and be vmfained-
lie cast doun therefor. For, have yee not by your hand-writt
(the scale of your truthe) bound your selves as slaves to the wicked
appetite and affectioun of a blind godlesse court, overfloAving with
all kinde of sinne and impietie, and to a bishop, to whom I can not
give a vitious epithet more then another, and I am sure a tliowsand
would not expresse his vices, as yourselves and all the world is
witnesse? And that which is worst of all, have yee not brought
the libertie of the Spirit, and preaching of the Word of God, (the
dispensatioun wherof is concreditcd unto you,) in most abominable
thraldome ? So that yee darrc not reprove vice without exception
of persons, nor preache the truthe freelie, as your God, your booke,
and your conscience, teacheth you and commandeth. For darre
yee now rebooke the contemner of God, and religioun, and faith-
fidl ministers therof : the blasphemer of God's name and his truthe ;
1584. OP THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 233
devilish dissimulatioun, yea, open devilrie ; perjurie, persecutioun,
tyrannic, crueltie, oppressioun, drunkennesse, whoordonie, scorn-
ing of God and man, ambitioun, avarice, flatterie, leing, breaking
of promise, tricking, taunting, deceaving, profanatioun of the Word
of God, sacriledge, simonie, witchecraft, shamelesse obscenitie,
villaine apostasie ; and manswearing of that which the mouth hath
professed, and pubHctlie spokin and taught, the hand hath often
subscrived, with the great oath of the Lord made and interpouned
therein ; seing your new erected Poprie, and, namelie, your famous
ordinar, the archbishop, (to whom yee have bound your obedience,)
is altogether feastered and overcome with them ?
" Now, as to that name of obedience, which is craved, in a faire
and honest maner, to cloke a most filthie and unhonest mater,
mister I to write anie thing to you theranent ? For can yee under-
stand or teache anie other thing theranent nor this : obedience,
except it be in God, and according to his command, is no obe-
dience, but sinne, rebellioun, and disobedience, the which is as the
sinne of witchecraft, wickednesse, and idolatrie before God, as
Samuel taught King Saul, in his owne face. That which man, fol-
lowing his own judgement and evill aiFectioun, calleth rebellioun,
treasoun, and disobedience, is allowed before God, as duetifull
duetie, good obedience and service. And, contrare, were not Sa-
drach, Misach, and Abednego, cast in the furnace by Nebuchad-
nezar. King of Babylon, for their disobedience, in not falling doun
to worship his erected image ? Was not Daniel cast in the denne
of lyons for disobedience, becaus he brake King Darius' godlesse
law, in making his prayer thrise a day toward Jerusalem, and
would not give so muche as a secreit consent to sett up the kino-
in God's stead ? The guarde of King Saul disobeyed him, com-
manding by his owne mouth to slay the preests of the Lord. So
did his owne sonne, good Jonathan, and would not bring in David,
but conforted him, and sett him on his journey : the midwives,
King Pharaoh ; Joiadah, and the whole estats of Juda, bloodie
Athaliah ; Lebnah, a citie of the Levit preests, the apostat king,
Araaziah ; and innumerable moe in holie Scripture, whose doings.
234 caldeiiwood's iilstoiue 1584.
neverthelesse, the Spirit of God commendeth ; and, as due obe-
dience to God and their superiour, hath left tliem registred in his
holie Booke, to be followed. In greatest humilitie and ductifull
reverence of that lawfull authoritie givin by God to kings and
magistrats, and yitt, in courage and boldnesse of spirit, for the
glorie of my God and libertie of the kingdome of Christ, defaced,
alas ! and brought under vile slaverie by the pernicious flatterers
of princes, who, deifeing them in their conceats, make them to take
to them absolute power to doe what they list, and trampe the kirk
of Christ under foote, I will take this propositioun to defend, against
the best and most learned of their courteours, court bishops, and
ministers, providing they dispute by the Scripture and good rea-
son, and not by the Blacknesse, Spey, toun-gibbet, and maidden ;
that, ' To obey the King of Scotland, as he craveth presentlie obe-
dience, according to his late acts of Parliament, is treason against
Christ, and disobedience, yea, rebellion to his Word and command ;
and, therefore, whosoever may stay and withstand Ilim, by refusall
of obedience, or otherwise by ordinar and lawfull meanes of their
calling, and doeth it not, is a tratour to his Majestic, countrie, and
kirk of Christ within the samine.' And least yee, my brethrein,
or anie other, sould take this my plaine specking of the truthe in
an evill part, the Lord God of heaven is Avitnesse to my conscience,
that I meane no contempt or disdaine to his Grace, ather persoun
or lawfull authoritie, nather doeth this proceed of anie evill will,
or desire of revenge for anie wrong done to us ; but the Lord
knoweth, before whom we walke, that the sighcs and sobs of our
dolorous and most affectioned heart toward his weale and amendi-
ment, is with teares powred out daylie for that effect ; and whom
I know assuredlie, that all the godlie in Scotland and England
would obey, love, and reverence, above all flesh, as their owne na-
turall and borne prince, if leaving these godlesse counsellers and
courses, he would rule in the feare of God, and establishe the king-
dome of Jesus Christ, according to his Word. Therefore, alas !
my brethrein, yee have, under the name of obedience, defiled your
selves with these crimes that Samuel convicted King Saul of, for
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 235
not obeying the Word of the Lord. And the exemples of God's
servants, in their feare of his great Majestie, and constantlic stand-
ing in his truthe and obedience stontlie, notwithstanding danger of
life, yea, terrible torments, may be fearefull judges sett before your
conscience, to condemne you, except yee repent. Peter and Johne
are, both by word and exemple, crying unto you, that it had beene
better to obey God nor man.
" But, metliinketh I lieare some of you lamenting, and saying,
it was weakenesse and feeblenesse of this fraile nature that moved
you to doe this thing. Truelie, brethrein, weaknesse and infirmitie
is naturall to flesh, and hath often times made the childrein of God
to slide and fall : for so did David in adulterie and murther, Peter
in threefold denyall of his Maister, and the zealous Origene, of
whose fall I spake before. Wherefore, in that cace onlie the re-
medie, incontinent, Avithout delay is to be sought ; for it is manlie,^
and of weakenesse to fall. But toly still and sleepe in sinne, with-
out i-emorse or araendiment, it is the rod of reprobatioun. It is a
thing most fearefull to denie Christ, but farre more not to confesse
him againe constantlie unto the death. It is a horrible mater so
to slander the kirk of God ; but farre more to continue therein,
and not to repaire and remove the same. And, therefore, I exhort
you, deere brethrein, most earnestlie and tenderlie, in the boAvells
of the Lord Jesus, and admonishe you before God, his angels, and
whole kirk, that yee preasse with speedie repentance to amend this
miserable misse, and repaire, so muche as can ly in you, tliis beale-
full breache ; that yee meditat and crie with David, that is, willi
the contrite spirit and brokin heart of David, in that 51st Psalme ;
yee goe aside with Peter ; yee lamentablie crie out, and inveygh
against yourselves, with Origene; and make the streamcs of your
bitter teares delete and Avashe away that subscriptioun, and the
wound of your sighes, and sound of your sobs, blow abroad your
repentance for that denyall of Christ ; and, therafter, constantlie
confesse him with Peter, unto the death, and that speedilie, before
he come in judgement, and denie you before his heavenlie Father.
' Hum;in.
236 calderavood's iiistorie 1584.
" And, finallie, in conclusioun, to remove both the publict slan-
der and woe pronounced against suche whereby it cometh, I see
not how it can be done otherwise, than if yee come boldlie to the
king and Lords of Excheker again, and sliow them how yee have
fallen through weakenesse, but by God his power are risin again ;
and there, by publict note and witnesse taiken, free yourselves
frome that subscriptioun, and will the same to be deleted, renounc-
ing and detesting it plainlie ; and therafter publictlle, in your ser-
mouns, and by your declaratioun and retractatioun in writt, pre-
sented to the whole kirk and faithfull, manifest the same. Lett
them doe with stipend, benefice, and life itself, what they list.
Yee will sticke by Christ, who kuoweth what yee have need of,
and will provide for you sufficientlie, yee serving him in this life,
and bring you heerafter to his glorie, in the life everlasting. The
which that yee may doe, and therafter constantlie stand unto the
end, I sail earnestlie call to God for you, to assist you with his
strong and Almightie Spirit, for the glorie of his owne name, the
reparatioun of the great offence and slander of his kirk, and your
joyfuU receaving againe in the number of Christ's warriours, and
citicens of his kingdome, and captans of his armie, with whom,
fighting lawfullie in suffering heere with him, we sail be crowned
with immortall glorie in the heavens, where he liveth and raigneth
with his Father for ever."
This letter, with the conclusiouns and arguments before men-
tiouned, did muche confort suche as stood constant. Two students
of theologie, Mr James Robertsone, afterward minister of Dundie,
and Mr Johne Caldcleugh, were forced to flee out of the countrie,
for the copeing of it.
WILLIAM AIRD's CALLING.
William Aird, minister of the West Kirk, beside Edinburgh,
otherwise called Sanct Cuthbert's Kirk, fled at the same time to
England. His fellow-labourer, Mr Nicoll Dagleish, Avas appre-
hended, keeped in closse prisson, and putt to an assise,- of purpose
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 237
to be executed as a tratour, onlie for the sight of a letter which
was sent from Mr Walter Balcalquall to his wife, of which more
afterward. William Aird, before his calling to the ministrie, was
a maisson, and raareid. He learned first of his wife to read Eng-
lish, and therafter, by himself, he studied to Latine, Greeke, and
Hebrewe languages, attended upon the colledge and the exercise,
and studied Divinitie. He profited so weill in few yeeres, that he
was called to the ministrie, and proved a notable instrument in the
kirk of God.
THE REASONS FOR NOT CONSENTING TO THE GENERALL CHARGE,
" OBEY THEIR ORDINAR," CURRANT IN THE HANDS OF THE MI-
NISTRIE AT THESE TIMES.
" Under this generall (obey your ordinar) may be conteane<l
manie specialls contrare to good conscience, as it sail please men
to command for the time. Therefore, the sj^ecialls would be ex-
pressed and proved by the Word, that men may know what they
approve.
" Before that anie innovatioun be made in the policie of the kirk
alreadie concluded by commoun consent, the Generall Assemblie
of the ministrie would be gathered, where things in controversie
may be openlie and freelie debated, and decerned to be followed or
refused in time comming. To beginne at particular men (before
the Generall Assemblie be charged) with suche a weightie mater,
it is able to hurt the consciences of the ignorant, and give occasioun
of schisme in the kirk ; to open a doore to hypocrits, and close the
mouths of the godlie.
" These men who crave obedience of us in ecclesiastlcall maters
have no spirituall jurisdictioun in the kirk at this present, nor ever
had, in our time, suche obedience as they appeai-andlie crave of us.
The Confessioun of our Faith, which we have ratified, and the
Confessioun of Helvetia, damned this estate, to the which we and
manie other kirks in Europe have subscrived, for the manifold
errors found in that estate. The name Archbishop and Bishop,
238 calderwood's iiistorik 1584.
givin to them onlie, agreeth not with the "Word of God. Their
whole estate was devised by man, taikin from the profane idolaters,
and Avas the foundation of the Roman Primacie. They clame
aiithoritie and jurisdictioun over ministers, and use Avorldlie and
ambitious titles, and confound two jurisdictions without the Avar-
rant of the Word of God. They are pastors Avithout a flocke, and
exeemed from the discipline of the kirk. In the primitive kirk
one toun had manie bishops ; but noAV ambitiousnesse and greedi-
nesse hath givin one to the A\diole province, and manie to the arch-
bishop. For Avhat causes ? Surelie not for to confort the kirk,
but to make these men riche, honorable, and great in the Avorld.
They Avould appearandlie usurpe unto themselves the electioun,
examinatioun, institutioun, depositioun of ministers, which things
apperteane onlie to the eldership of the kirk, and not to one of
them, or anie others made by man's device. Hoav can these men
excuse themselves in God's presence, Avho with us subscrived the
former discipline, and promised obedience 1o the kirk; and now
they Avill breake their promise, and impyre above the kirk before
they discharge themselves of the same ?
" It is not reasonable that we follow their defectioun Avithout the
knowledge of the kirk, and discharge of our promise made to the
same ; otherAvise who sail credit us in time comming, or beleeve
our preachings, seeing Ave damne our tAventie yeeres preachings
made before ? In Avhat estat sail Ave be also if this policie sail be
changed afterwards ? Sail Ave not change then again Avith men ?
We are falslie bruted that Ave Avill have a popular confusioun, and
grant no cure of religioun to the prince ; and would take his autho-
ritie, raise seditioun in the countrie, to helpe his rebels, and live
without lawes. We protest before God and man we never meant
suche things, and sail be rcadie at all times to purge ourselves of
all these calumneis. But if our purgatiouns cannot be heard, then
we remitt our caus to the eternall God, whose judgement can not
eiTe."
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTL.VND. 239
THE EXAMINATION OF JOCK GRAHAME OF PEERTREE, BEFORE THE
LORD SCROOPE, LORD WARDEN OF THE WEST MARCHES, ETC.,
AT CARLILL, THE 25tH OF NOVEMBER 1584.
" The said examinat sayeth, That in August last, one Mouse, a
Scotlsh boy, was sent unto him from the Laird of Clowghe, being
servant to the Erie of Montrose, and a Grahame of his owne sur-
name, desiring the examinat to come to him at Edinburgh. And
this examinat went furth with the boy, and come to Edinburgh to
him, and there he remained, making mirrie by the space of twentie
dayes or therabout. In Avhich meane season, the Erie of Montrose
and Arran were sindrie times jesting with him concerning the fead
that was between him and the Erie of Angus, for the hanging of
Robert Grahame, called Laverock, being his neere kinsman, and
asked him, whether that fead was agreed or not ? and he answered,
that he was no wise agreed withall for that fead. Wherupon they
entered in farther with the Laird of Cloughe to bring him to Falk-
land to the king, which he did shortlie after. Comraing thither
late at night, and about elleven of the clocke of the same night, the
said Laird of Cloughe brought him in to an utter chamber, where
was Montrose and Arran, who then both did move him to kill the
Erie of Angus, alwayes alledging what good occasioun he might
take for revenge of the fead for his freind ; wherunto, in the end,
he was by them perswaded, and granted and promised to doe that.
They farther preassed him to tak on hand to kill the Erie of Marr
and the Abbot of Cambuskenneth, which thing he refused to doe,
saying, he had nought to doe with them. And then they two
brought him in into the king's galrie, where he was alone by him-
self; and onlie he, Montrose, and Arran, and this examinat being
together, the king himself did move him, as the other two had
before done, for the killing of Angus, Marr, and Cambuskenneth.
To whom he answered, that for Marr and Cambuskenneth, he
would not meddle with them ; but for Angus, he would weill be
contented to doe that, so as the kino- would weill rewarde liim for
240 calderwood's iiistorie 1584.
that. And the king said, he Avould presentlie give him sixtie
Frenche crowns, and twentie Scotish pund land to him and his for
ever, lying in Stratherne, neere Montrose. And so immediatlie,
for that night, he took his leave at the king, looking to have re-
ceaved the said croAvns. But the Erie of Montrose, being Trea-
surer, told this examinat, when he was come from the king, that
he could not pay him the crowns presentlie, but delivered him
tenne pund Scotish to be doing with all in rewaird, and the crowns
he would send him at Michaelmesse or Martimesse following, by
the Laird of Cloughe. And he delivered more[over] to this exa-
minat a gunne, being a short ryding peece for that purpose, which
he brought home with him, and he promised further to send him a
dag with the crowns by the Laird of Cloughe ; but nather come
the one nor the other as yitt.
" Being demanded in what maner it was devised, or that he
thought to execute this actioun against the Erie of Angus ? he
sayeth, that the Erie of Arran told him that he heard that the
banished lords sould come to Carlill, and there he might take good
time both for the fact, and to escape himself. But this examinat
utterlie refused to attempt anie suche thing there ; and then said
Arran, that he thought he might weill doe that ather at Durhame or
at Newcastell. And this examinat said, that he could weill wishe
to doe it there if he might come convenientlie to it. And the said
erle said, he might easille doe it at either of these places, ather
going to church or some chappell, or sitting at table, to shoot him
at some window, or in at a doore ; or best of all, walking upon the
shore or key-side at Newcastell. As tuiching Mr Johne Colvill,
he sayeth he was never moved to hurt him, nather had he ever
anie intention to doe him harme.
" H. SCROOPE.
" Exam, per me, William Bowman, &c."
The Maister of Gray, whill he was in England ambassader,
offered to prove that the banished ministers taught in the pulpits
1584. OF THE KlUK OF SCOTLAND. 241
that no ecclesiasticall persoun was subject to the king or prince,
and would make the Lord Leicester and Secretar Walsinghame
judges, Avhen they sould be confronted. But by no meanes could
the ministers gett the ambassader and themselves confronted. He
continued still traducing to whomsoever he pleased. Mr Archibald
Dowglas repaired unto him by night and by day, howbeit he was
at the murther of the king's father. The ambassader his traffique
and proceedings may be gathered out of the letter following : —
MR JAMES CARMICHAEL's LETTER TO THE ERLE OF ANGUS,
THE FOURTH OF DECEMBER 1584.
"I mett Mr Secretarie the 16th of October, the 7th, 8th, 9th,
tOth, 21st, 28th of November. Which times I had sindrie con-
ferences of Dease and Harbertson's letters brought to the bishops,
of the ambassader, and Mr Archibald Dowglas of our countrie,
men that have borne patientlie the burthein of bishops, of commoun
or privat maters belonging to the whole cans, of the setting out of
generall apologeis and particular ; and speciallie, how to obviat the
present calumniator in suche things as he would lay to our chai'ge,
desiring that ather he would sett them doun in writt, or ellis, by
their Honours, we might be confronted to answere by Avord. But
he answered, his words were uather so Aveightie, nor his accusa-
tioun so trusted, that we needed be carefull of that mater ; for they
were not ignorant of his impudencie, and custome to lee.
" His owne gravitie is more respected than his companie weill
lyked since his coming thither the 29th of October, the day of
Thomas Pullison's en trie, as Major of Londoun, with great solem-
nitie. He is loodged in Alderman Herveis hous. The last of Oc-
tober he road to Kingstoun, where the minister descended so neere
the descriptioun of the state of our countrie in pulpit, in his pre-
sence, that he called him to dinner, and said that he had particu-
larized him on that day, and had beene sinistrouslie informed of
the seditious declared tratours that had fled from justice, for tliere
was nather restraint in doctrine nor discipline in Scotland more
VOL. IV. Q
242 calderwood's historie 1584.
than was before, and no man was better affected to religioun than
the king, his maister ; and so made Thomas Mitrrey floute him
till he oft tymes blushed, and at last compleaned to the queen's
Majestie of him. This sawce had he to his dinner. But God and
the grandie have done justice to both ; and that minister who had
never seene us before came and shew us the maner, and hath evi-
dent informatioun of more than he knew of before. His text was
of the re-entring of the devill, once cast out of a cleene sweeped
hous, who brought seven devills worse with him. He had pre-
sence, after noone, that Sunday, first of November. In specking
evill of the distressed which are come in this countrie, he was
taikin up hardlie that he needed not to come with suche a message :
they were not ignorant who were enemeis to the peace, and who
were not ; as they had beene the most obedient subjects the king
had, so were they the most loving freinds and favourers of the
peace. It was asked at Hounsden's sonne if he had no other office
but to be his paidge ; for he held up the tapestrie at his entrie, as
he had convoyed him all the journey. He returned upon Wedins-
day the fourth with small contentment, (albeit he pretended the
contrarie,) and receaved the commendatioun of a young, insolent,
scomfull boy. Nather could his commissioun be in better recom-
mendatioun than himself, for all the quarter of yeere's studie to
adome it with eloquence. He querrelled with Mr Davidsone for
disgracing and discrediting him, with some hard reports, wherof he
would not shoAv the particulars, and, therefore, receaved no parti-
cular answere of him.
" As Mr Davidsone, immcdiatlie before his comming, and after,
and likewise Mr Bowes, since his comming to London the Dth of
November, hath lett him be knov/ne, so did I paint him out by let-
ter, as I knew, to the secretar, at lenth, which he called " a prettie
descriptioun." How oft he had changed his religioun since his
educatioun in the minister's hous of Perth and Dundle, and in St
Leonard's, where he did communicat ; of his going and returning
to France twise ; his behaviour there and since ; his credite with
our queene ; familiarltie with the Bishops of Glasgow and Rosse,
1584. or THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 243
the Duke of Gwise, by the means of a Friar Gray in Parise,
and the Jesuits there ; his liberalitie in buying papisticall bookes
and vestments to infect our countrie; his deepe practising with
them and their agents in France and Scotland, conducting frome
place to place Gwise's agent ; his interteaning Frier Leitche, Sir
Thomas Gray, and other excommunicated preests in Fowles, where
masse was said ; his evill affectioun to this countrie, and inclina-
tioun to France ; his marching with Monbirne, Mr Ogilvie, Lin-
dores, and Seton's two sonnes, on the musters of the vaine or head-
lesse band on the calsey of Edinburgh, 23 Martij 1581 ; Captane
Bruce, captane of one of the king's bands, his removing from the
king's hous for Papistrie, 15 September 1582 ; his traffiquing heere
with the Frenche ambassader, by Mr Archibald, since his comming.
Wherof they had great caus to suspect his earand heere to be
another purpose than they -see ; that unlesse they wiU willinglie
and wittinglie be blinded, they can not be ather abused with him
nor the colour of his message, wherewith they would spend time
after that maner.
" He is become a verie franke Protestant heere, and professeth it
after the puritie that is in Scotland ; and can not away with the
cereraoneis of England, that smell of Papistrie, and is but a patched
religioun. He hanteth the sermons when his dolours will lett him,
and will have an English lecture in his hous. I wote not when he
will beginne. But none in Scotland knoweth his religioun in Scot-
land but the king, nor in England but the Lord Leicester, so that
he will be sure not to have two witnesses against him in one
realme."
seton's death.
Upon the elleventh of December, the Lord Seton came home,
who had beene sent in ambassadge to Fi-ance, where he went pub-
lictlie to the masse. His message was to advise with the Gwisians
and the Bishop of Glasgow, how the project layed doun by the
241- calderwood's iiistorie 1584.
Duke of Lennox might be prosecuted. Soone after his retume he
departed out of this Hfe.
David Hume of Argettie was apprehended and taikin in the
beginning of December, and condemned upon the eight of Decem-
ber. There was a thowsand crowns offered for his life, but no
grace couhl be obteaned.
About the 15th of December, there were sindrie ministers accus-
ed before the king, for disobeying the king's acts, and not subscriv-
ing the band. Mr NicoU Dagleish, minister at the West Kirk,
beside Edinburgh, commounlie called St Cuthbert's Kirk, Avas
accused for praying for the afflicted brethrein that were banished.
He was called before the counsell. The king enquired by whom
he meant ? He answered, he meant speciallie of the ministrie.
" Then," said the king, " if they be afflicted, I am the afflicter, and
so am a persecuter." They were rebels that Avere fled. He said,
they were true subjects, and were fled for a time, to eschew
trouble. The king said to the lords, " My Lords, consider yee
this man's dealing." The lords urged him to come in the king's
will, and confesse a fault. He said he could not confesse a fault,
where he was not perswaded that he had committed one. He was
put to an assise, was cleanged of all crimes layed to his charge, ex-
cept the reading of a letter, which Mr Walter Balcalquall had sent
to his wife out of England. The assise prayed him to come in the
king's will. At their requeist he came in will for that alledged of-
fence, it being a mater of no great moment. The king will have
him to come in will, for praying for his rebels, and insinuating that
he was a persecuter, when he prayed for them as afflicted brethrein.
But he absolutelie refused ; and as for reading of the letter, he al-
ledged Mr Walter was not putt to the home, nor denounced re-
bell. He was deteaned in the Tolbuith, or yron-hous, five or six
weekes, all which time, the scaftbld, which was sett up for his exe-
cutioun, stood, and a long time after. Thereafter, he was trans-
ported to waird in the Castell of St Andrewes, where he was not
Weill intcrtcanned by the godlessc bishop and his dame.
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 245
MU PATRIK galloway's LETTER TO MR JAMES CARMICHAELL,
FROM NEWCASTELL, 21 ST DECEMBRIS 1584.
" As for newes, David Hume, wlio was left by the lords captan
in Stirline, is hanged for reading of a letter sent by one of this
companie to his tennents. His head is putt upon the Neather
Bow, to the great wrathe and out-crying of the people. My Lord
Hume is tane out of Tamtallan ; and, to see his head, was convoyed
by the Neather Bow to the Castell of Edinburgh, where presentlie
he is Nickneven's prisoner. Mr Nicoll Dagleish was (for praying
for his distressed brethrein in England, and excommunicating of
Edinburgh subscribers against their ministers) putt to an assise,
and cleanged. Julian^ being raging and angrie, made him be con-
victed by another assise, de novo, under all high pains. A scaffold
was sett up for his executioun. Neverthelesse, he is yitt delayed,
the scaffold standing. Pontanus^ is fugitive, vel latet. The
brethrein are wonderfuUie troubled. The triell is great, but God
granteth great courage to his owne. Few yeeld, whose names I
sould have writtin, if I think Mr Melvill had not advertised you.
Mr James Melvill is presentlie in Berwick, his wife being neere to
her birth. He is used by the Lord a notable instrument to threat-
ten the yeelding brethrein, to confort the weake, and encourage the
strong. There are come to him some fugitives, being summouned to
compeere sujjer inquirendis ; Mrs Johne Caldcleuche, James Robert-
sone. Our adversars are presentlie als cruell and raiging as ever
they were, which proceedeth from their beastlie securitie in sinne.
God hath offered good occasiovm. Lord, encourage his Cyrus to
apprehend in the slumber, drunken and sacrilegious Baltasar, with
his princes Haraan, Sobnah, Achitophell, and Judas."
THE LORDS CHARGED TO REMOVE SOUTH.
Mr Johne Colvill came to Newcastell the last of December, with
' Archbishop Adamson, who was considered a second Julian the Apostate.
* Robert Pont.
246 calderwood's iustorie 1584.
her Majestie's letter to the Lords, wlierein they were willed to ad-
dresse themselves to Cambrido-e. So f'arre had the ambassader
prevailed, that they might be drawin farther from their fi-einds.
SUBSCRIVmG MINISTERS.
About the end of December, Mr Craig and Johne Duncansone,
preachers to the king's domesticks, and Johne Brand, minister at
Halyrudhous, subscrived the band above mentioned, adding this
claus, " according to the Word of God." They perswaded also others
to siibscrive ; and Mr Craig wrote this letter following, to that
eifect : —
" Brethrein, after my verie heartilie commendatiouns, I doubt
not but ather yee have heard, or will hcare shortlie, how Johne Dun-
cansone and I have subscrived the obligatioun of obedience unto the
king's Majestic and commissioners, according to the Act of Parlia-
ment. Wherof, becaus sinister reports may passe, both of the
king's Majestic commanding, and us obeying, I thought good to
make you privie to the samine. It hath pleased his Majestic to
grant to Johne Duncansone and me, to confer Avith himself privilie,
and therafter with my lords the Erie of Arran and Secretarie, his
Majestic being present in the cabinet. Where, after reasouns heard
and propouned on every side, in end, two heeds were agreed upon :
First, that our subscriptioun was nather sought to be allowance,
ather of the Acts of Parliament, nor of the state of the bishops, but
to be a testimonie of our obedience to his Majestie : Nixt, it was
not craved, but according to the Word of God, and, therefore, our
obligatioun conteaneth nothing but our obedience to the king's Ma-
jestie his lawes and commissioners, according to the Word of God.
Which two heeds are so reasonable, that no man can refuse the sa-
mine, who loveth God, or the quietnesse of the kirk or commoun
weale. Therefore, I pray you to shew this to the brethrein, whom
yee may advertise, ather by word or by writt ; that they, being
informed of the good meaning of his Majestie, may be conformable
to the samine, to the end that the Evangell, having free passage
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 247
with quietnesse and peace, evill affected persons, who of the schisme
of tlie kirk or commoun wealth make their advantage, may be
frustrated of their expectatioun."
" Kex.
" Wee declare by these presents, that this letter within conteaned
was writtin with our knowledge, and directed at our command, to
certifie aU men of our good meaning, that none sould have occasioun
to doubt of the same."
Some were deluded by simplicitie, not taking up the sophistrie of
the claus which was added ; others were content of anie colour to
blind the eyes of the people. The claus added to sophisticat the
band, was repugnant to the mater and argument of it. It was all one
as if they would have said, they will obey the Pope and hisprelats,
according to God's Word. Mr George Hepburne, Mr Alexander
Hume, Patrik Gaits, Alexander Lawder, Alexander Hay, Patrik
Kinloquhy, Mr William Powrie, and sindrie others, subscrived. Mr
Andrew Simsone subscrived the forme following : " I, Mr Andrew
Simsone, minister at Dalkeith, sweare by the name of the great
God, that I sail not preache anie heresie or seditious doctrine, nor
sail privatlie or publictlie stirre up the king's Majestie's subjects to
anie rebellioun ; and sail obey all his lawes and Acts of Parliament,
so farre as they agree with the Word of God."
Mr Walter Balcalquall preached once or twise before Mr Low-
son's death ; and after, beganne a lecture upon the Epistle to the
Ephesians, and so continued till the first of Januar, that he was sent
for by the Bishop of Londoun, and was discharged of farther teach-
ing. Mr Jolme Davidsone was likewise taikin notice of. He was
called at court and among the bishops a thunderer. I conclude
this yeere with a discourse made at the same time, the tenor
wherof followeth : —
248 calderwood's iiistorie 1584.
A DISCOURSE OF THE INJUREIS AND WRONGS USED AGAINST THE
NOBLEMEN DISTRESSED, SINCE THE ALTERATION AT SANCT AN-
DREWES.
" Imprimis, Upon the nixt day after the said alteratloun pro-
clamatioun was made, declaring, that albeit his Majestie had suffi-
cient contentment in the companie that was about him the yeere
preceeding, yitt, forasmuche as some forrane princes, not weill in-
formed of his Majestie's estate, tooke opinioun, that his Majestie
was captive and subject to the appetite of a factioun, and race of
noblemen, to witt, of Angus and Marr, with their freinds; therefore,
his Majestie, to remove all suche suspicioun, commanded the said
two erles, with their complices, to voide and remove themselves
from court ; like as he did also, on the other part, command the
Erles of Huntlie and CraAvfurd to doe the samine, appointing an
indifferent number of noblemen to attend upon his Majestie for the
time. Which commandement the said Erles of Angus and Marr
most willinglie obeyed, retiring them home to their owne houses ;
as also, the said Huntlie and Crawfurd seemed to doe the like.
But, indeid, they onlie removed from court for the space of two
dayes, and iramediatlie therafter returned to the same. During this
time, the better to colour the practise since that time manifested,
the secund proclamatioun was published, wherin his Majestie as-
sured his lieges, that he would have no remembrance to remaine,
of anie querrell fallin out in the late civill warres among them ; and
that, for himself, he would never persue anie of his subjects for the
Road of lluthven, nor no other actioun past, (the murtherers of his
father and regents onlie excepted,) providing they would endea-
voure themselves to live loyallie in time comming. This proclama-
tioun putt all men in great securitie, notwithstanding manifest pre-
sumptiouns appearing in the contrare. After this, his Majestie
passeth to St Johnstoun, where the thrid proclamatioun was made,
discharging, that forasmuche as his Majestie was sum what greeved
with the fact at Ruthven, therefore his Grace commanded, under
158-4. OF THE KlliR OF SCOTLAND. 249
paine of death, all and whatsonicver suspected therewith, to ab-
steane from his presence, or to come neere his residence by tenne
niyles ; inhibiting also all and sindrie their freinds or weill willers
to speake or requeist for them, till farder order were taikin. Im-
mediatlie therafter, the ferd proclamatioun came out, commanding
the persons guiltie of the said Road of Ruthven, under paine of
rebellioun, within a certane space to come in, and receave pardoun
for the same, notwithstanding anie ratification therof by acts of
Secreit Counsell, and of the Estats, or anie other letter or messin-
ger sent by his Majestic to the Queen of England to that effect.
" Heere, men were mervellouslie perplexed ; for the Sccund pro-
clamatioun declared, that his Majestic would never impute or lay
that Road of Ruthven to anie man's charge ; the Thrid inhibited
the actors therof to come in his Majestie's presence, or their freinds
to sue for them ; and the Ferd commandeth them all to come and
receave pardoun, under paine of rebellioun. So, whill as men re-
mained verie doubtfull of his Majestie's meaning, by so contrarious
and ambiguous edicts, craftie meanes were wrought to make the
Erie of Gowrie receave remissioun for the said fact, which, in con-
science, he knew to be one of the most honest and most profitable
interj^rises that ever was done for his Majestic. The like also was
practised with the Erie of Marr, to whom great kindenesse was
offered, if he Avould, for his Majestie's pleasure, receave the said
pardoun. In fine, Avhen he had satisfied his Majestie's desire in
that point, a place and time was assigned to reconciliat the said
erle with Arran ; which assignatioun the said Arran refused to
keepe ; and immediatlie therafter the said Marr was charged to
retire himself to Argile, where he remained in great miserie about
the space of two moneths. And nixt, he was commanded to voide
himself off the realme, which he also obeyed. And yitt, in his ab-
sence, was he not free from their injureis. For, first, his ancient
offices and heretable services were taikin from him, and givin to
the said Arran, viz. the captanrie of the Castell of Stirline, and
sheriffship of that shyre ; the erledome of Marr, by a false sentence,
converted to another competitor ; his best freinds and servants all
250 calderavood's historie 1584.
ather imprissouned or ellis banished ; and James Maconeill of the
lies, (a declared enemie to the estat of England,) upon promise to kill
the said erle, was richelie rewarded Avith an hundred pund land, of
old extent. Natlier Avas the remnant, that served his Majestic most
Avorthilie in his minoritie, free from this calamitic : for the Erie of
Angus Avas confynned to remaine in a barbarous part of the coun-
ti'ie, distant neerc an hundreth myles from anie of his OAvne houses,
and among his greatest enemeis ; the Lord Boyd, Lochlevin, Mais-
ter of Glamcs, and sindrie other of the Avorthicst of that land, all
commanded to depart off the realme ; the Abbot of Dumfermline,
Laird of Drumquhassill, and sindrie others, imprissouned ; the pro-
vestrie of Dundie taikin from Mr James Haly burton, and giAan to
CraAvfurd ; a signature of Lieutenantrie granted to the Erie of
Huntlie, to the prejudice of the Erie Marshall, Lord Forbesse,
Laird of Drum, and all others there that mainteaned his Majestie's
authoiitie, when as the said Huntlie's father and aa'IioIc freinds op-
pugned the same.
" After all these oppressiouns, Avhicli Avere insufferable, a small
number of the said oppressed (according to the ancient laAves of
Scotland, used when young kings are misgoverned by evil coun-
sell) intended to conveene at Stirline, meaning nothing, but Avith
all humilitie to haA'e presented a supplicatioun to his Majestic, for re-
dresse of the disorders forsaids. But the said abusers being informed
heerof, prevented the mater, by apprehending GoAvrie, and using
him in suche fraudfull and cruell manor, as no Christian heart can
remember Avithout soitow. Therafter, the said Erles of Angus,
Marr, and Maister of Glamcs, thinking it could not be offensive to
his Majestic to present their humble supplicatioun in manor for-
said, accompanied Avith a verie small number, not exceeding two
hundreth men, purposed to lay open their greeves before his Ma-
jestic. But they Avere so hotelie persued by the violence of their
enemeis, assembled to the number of 6000 or 7000 men, that for
prescrvatioun of their lives, they were compelled to abandoun their
native countrie, and to enter in England for their refuge, careing
no more with them of all their goods, saving so muche as they had
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 151
upon their owne persons. And after their comming in England,
not onlie Avere there large promises of fidelitie offered to her Ma-
jestie for their redeliverie, but also, finding her Majestie no wise
inclynned to satisfie a requeist so unlawfull, they sought unhonest
meanes, by treasonable practises, to murther some of the said noble
men and their servants ; a forme of doing abhorred in most barba-
rous natiouns. And yitt, they are not ashamed to brag and ostent
themselves of gentle dealing, and manifold benefites bestowed upon
the said distressed, since the said alteratioun ; wheras, by the pre-
misses, it is evident that no historic of time past can furnish an ex-
ample of greater dissimulatioun, tyrannic, and unthankfolnesse,
than hath beene used against them. This muche shortlie for the
foi'me and processe used against the distressed.
" And for the accusatioun objected against the ministrie, where it
is said that they denie all civill jurisdictioun of magistrats, as though
they were not subject thereto, to this no better answere can be
givin than is comprehended in the act of parliament made at the
instance of the said ministers, concerning the obedience due to
civill magistrats. JNIoreover, who is ignorant that the Pope vindi-
cateth the immunitie from civill magistrats to himself and his shave-
lings, taking to him power to depose and erect princes ? Which
erroneous doctrine none hath more worthilie impugned nor the mi-
nistrie of Scotland, as their auditors can witnesse. And yitt, the
affronted Papists are so impudent as to traduce the ministrie with
this antichristian heresie, invented and mainteanned in Rome. As
for the calumnie alledged against Mr Andrew Melvill, where it is
said, that he appealled from the king's judgement and his counsell's,
denying their jurisdictioun above him, that objectioun is so frivo-
lous, that it meriteth no answere. Yitt, the more to declare his in-
nocencie, to the confusioun of his enemeis, this muche is affirmed
on his part, that he never made appellatioun from his Majestie, nor
alledged the Secreit Counsell to be an uncompetent judge for him.
He onlie protested in this sort, (as the record therof registred will
testifie,) that forasmuche as his Majestie, with advice of the three
estats in parliament, had inacted, that no minister sould be ac-
252 calderwood's historie 1584.
cused or tryed of his doctrine, but before the Provinciall or Gene-
rail Assemblie, as judges ordinar appointed for suche maters, (which
he proved by sindrie exemples past of before, in the persons of his
fellow brethrein accused in the like sort as he then was, to have
beene admitted and practised ;) therefore he most humblie desired,
that albeit he, for declaratioun of his obedience, would not for his
part declyne that judgement of the Secreit Counsell, yitt that his
requeist might be admitted. Wherin he protested, that this pre-
parative used in him sould not be prejudiciall unto his brethrein,
nor unto the priviledge granted to them.
"And albeit the said Mr Andrew had alledged the Secreit
Counsell not to have beene his judges ordinar in the mater of doc-
trine wherupon he was accused, yitt can it not be justlie inferred
that he, so doing, denied the king, his soverane, to be his judge ?
For they that know anie thing of their forme used in the Secreit
Counsell of that land, are not ignorant, that when anie man is cited
before them, to answere in causa alter ius fori, it is leasome to the
defender to alledge the incompetencie of the judgement, and so
the mater is straight referred to the decisioun of the Judge Ordi-
nar, as ather unto the Lords of Sessloun, sheriffs of shires, Stewarts
of regalities, or to some commissars or inferiour judges, according
to the nature and qualilie of the mater propouned. Moreover, all
societeis and fellowships Avithin that land are privilegiated to trie
and cognosce upon maters of their owne professioun among them-
selves ; yea, even the merchant and poore artizan is not exeemed
therefra. For, if a merchant be accused de mensura et ponderihus
injustis, or de mcrcibus corruptis, his appearance is before his fellow
merchants ; or cllis, if the mater be first called before anie other
superiour judge, it is straight remitted again to the ordinar. The
artisan, in like maner, in everie manuall occupatioun, for complaints
resulting upon their crafts, is judged by the deacons and maisters of
their crafts respective. Wherefore, if the said Mr Andrew had,
according to the laudable custome before named, desired his ac-
tioun to be pleaded before the Asserablie, the judges competent to
the doctrine and maners of the ministrie, as indeid he made no
1584. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 253
suche desire tlierin, he had done nothing but justlie and law-
fullie.
" And for the Master of Gray, till he Avas fyfteene or sixteene
yeeres old, he was nourished in the Universitie of Sanct Andrewes,
Avhere he professed the true religioun, and communicated with the
faithfuU at the Table of the Lord. Therafter, he was mareid to a
young gentlewoman of good parentage and fame, whom he hath
now repudiated, lyke as his father also hath cast away his mother.
So, about a yeere after his mariage, he passeth to France, and en-
tering in companie with one Frier Gray, a man of good credit
among the Papists, by the frier's moyen he was recommended to
the Bishop of Glasgow, and Scotish Jesuits, and Papists of the Se-
minarie of Parise ; and by them again he was putt in credite with
the Duke of Gwise, by whose recommendatioun the Queene of
Scotland thought weill of him, and gave him liberallie. And so,
returning to Scotland, the first time after some reasouning with the
ministers, he promised to renounce Papistrie, and to embrace the
true Christian religioun, appointing a day to subscrive the articles
of the said religioun. But, within short space, he returned again
to France, without fulfilling of his promise to the ministers, where
he remained about a yeere ; and ihennfter, in companie with the
young Duke of Lennox, he arrived again to Scotland, careing with
him sindrie messe clothes and Papisticall bookes, slanderous als
Aveill to the estat of religioun of Scotland as of England. And,
being cited again to fulfill his promise, in subscriving the articles
forsaid, he affirmed that he was a Papist, and that the Roman ce-
remoneis were lawfull, evin to the beeds and holie water. So, upon
this obstinacie, the ministers of Edinburgh intended the processe
of excommunicatioun against him, according to the act of parlia-
ment ; which they had pronounced, were not their expulsion. And
now, the said Master giveth himself out for a Protestant. What
probabilitie there is therof, I referre to their judgement, that Vv^ill
consider his life past, and resort daylie in his companie ; or what
truthe in maters of policie is to be expected at the hands of suche
254 calderwood's histouik 1585.
a one as can so cunnlnglie dissemble his religioun, I leave it to
the wise to judge therupon."
M.D.LXXXV.
The acts of" parliament holdin the last May were so tossed
through men's mouthes, so mislyked by all good men, that the
court was forced to sett Mr Patrik Adamsone, a cheefe deviser of
them, on worke, to make a declaratioun of their meaning, and that
in the kino-'s name. This declaratioun came to light in Januar
1585, and was after so greedilie embraced in England, that, after
the printing of it heere, it was reprinted, with an odious preface of
alledged treasons prefixed unto it. And, to preserve the memorie
of it, it was insert in the Chronicle of England compiled by Holin-
shed, and continued by Francis Thinne. Our kirk deserved no
suche iudignitie at their hands ; for our kirk was ever carefull, and
at the same time speciallie, to interteane amitie betuixt the two
countreis. The English prelats, no doubt, were not idle in further-
ing of this bussinesse. But lett suche a Icing libell ly there, as a
blurre, to blot the chronicles of England. I have heere inserted it
in this Register, together with a censure and confutatioun of the
same, for the right informatioun of the reader.
A DECLARATION OF THE KING's MAJESTIE'S INTENTION AND MEAN-
ING TOAVARD THE LATE ACTS OF PARLIAMENT.
" Forasmuche as there are some evill affected men that goe about,
so farre as in them lyeth, to invent lees and calumneis, to staine and
impaire the king's Majestie's fame and honour, and raise bruites, as if
his Majestic had declynned to Papistrie, and had made manie acts to
derogat the free passage of the Gospell, good order, and discipline in
the kirk ; u'hich bruites are nourished and interteaned by rebellious
subjects, who would gladelle cover their seditious interprises under
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 255
pretext of religloun ; albeit there can be no godlie religionn in
suclie as raise armour, and disquiett the estate of their native so-
verane, and perjuredlie have contraveened the oath and obligatioun
of their faith, wherunto they have sworne and subscrived : There-
fore, that his Majestie's faithfull subjects be not abused with suche
slanderous reports, and his Hienesse' good affectioned freinds in
other countreis may understand the veritie of his upright intention,
his Hienesse hath commanded this breefe declaratioun of certane of
his Majestie's Acts of Parliament, holdin in May 1584, to be pub-
lished and imprinted ; to the effect, that the indirect practises of
suche as slander his Majestic and his lawes may be detected and
discovered.
" In the First act, his Majestic ratifieth and approveth the true
professioun of the Gospell, sincere preaching of the Word, and ad-
ministratioun of the sacraments, presentlie, by the goodnessc of
God, established within this realme ; and alloweth of the Confes-
siouns of Faith sett down by Act of Parliament, the first yeere of
his Majestie's raigne, lyke as his Hienesse not onlie professeth the
same in all sinceritie, but, praised be God, is come to suche matu-
ritie of judgment, by reading and hearing of the Word of God, that
his Hienesse is able to convince and overthrow, by the doctrine of
the prophets and apostles, the most learned of the contrarie sect of
the adversareis. So that, as Plato affirmeth that commoun wealth
to be most happie v.herin a philosopher raigneth, or he that raign-
eth is a philosopher, we may much more esteeme this countrie of
Scotland to be fortunat, wherin our king is a theologue, and his heart
replenished with the knowledge of the heavenlie philosophic, for
the confort not onlie of his good subjects and freinds in other
countreis, but of them that professe the Gospell everie where ; he
being a king of great expectatioun, to whom his birth right hath
not onlie destinated and provided great kingdomes, but muche
more his Hienesse' vertue, godlinesse, and learning, and daylie in-
creasse of all heavenlie sciences, doe promise and assure him of the
mightie protectioun of God, and fiavoui* of all these that feare his
holie name.
256 caldekwood's ihstouie 1585.
"In the Secund act, his Majestie's royall authoritie over all
estats, both spirituall and teraporall, is confirmed. Which act,
some of malice, and others of ignorance, doc traduce, as if his Ma-
jestic pretended to be called the Head of the Kirk; a name which
his Majestic acknowledgeth to be proper and peculiar to the Sonne
of God, the Saviour of the world, who is the Head, and bestoweth
life spirituall upon the members of his mysticall bodic ; and He,
having received the Holie Spirit in all abundance, maketh cverie
one of the faithfull partakers therof, according to the measure of
faith bestowed upon them. Of the which number of the faithfull,
under the Head, Christ, his Majestic acknowledgeth himself to be
a member, baptized in his name, partaker of the mysterie of the
crosse and the holie communioun, and attending with the faithfull
for the comming of the Lord, and the finall restitutiouu of God's
elect. And notwithstanding his Majestic surelie imderstandeth
by the Scriptures, that he is the cheefc and principall member ap-
pointed by the law of God, to see God glorified, vice punished,
and vertue mainteanned within his realme, and the soveranc judg-
ment for a godlle quietnesse and order in the commoun wealth to
apperteane to his Hienesse' care and solicitude ; which power
and authoritie of his Hienesse, certanc ministers being called be-
fore his Majestic for their seditious and factious sermons, and stir-
ring up of the people to rebellioun against their native king, by the
instigatioun of sindrie unquiett spirits, would in no wise acknow-
ledge, but disclaimed his Majestie's authoritie as a competent
judge. And speciallie one, called Mr Andrew Melvill, an ambi-
tious man, of a salt and fierie humour, usurping the pulpit of St
Andrcwes without a lawfuU calling, and privie at that time to cer-
tanc conspiraceis attempted against his Majestic and crowne, went
about in his sermon, upon a Sunday, to inflamme the hearts of the
people, by odious comparisons of his Majestie's progenitors and
counsell ; albeit the duetie of a faithfull preacher of the Gospell be
rather to exhort the people to the obedience of their native kino-,
nor by popular sermons (which have beene the eversioun and decay
of great citeis and commoun wealths, and have greatlie in times by-
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 257
gane disquletted this estat) to trouble and perturbe the countrie.
The said Mr Andrew, called before his Hienesse, presumptuouslie
answered, that he would not be judged by the king and counsell,
becaus he had spokin the same in pulpit ; which pulpit, in effect,
he alledged to be exeemed from the judgement and correctioun of
princes : as if that holie place, sanctified to the Word of God, and
to the breaking of the bread of life, might be a colour to anie se-
ditioun, in word or deid, against the lawful! authoritie, without
punishment. Alwise, his Majestic (being of himself a most gra-
cious prince) was not willing to have used anie rigour against the
said Mr Andrew, if he had humblie submitted himself, acknow-
ledged his offence, and craved pardoun ; who, notwithstanding,
affrayed of his owne guiltinesse, being privie to diverse conspiraceis
of before, fled into the realme of England.
" Whose naughtie and presumptuous refusing of his Hienesse'
judgment was the occasioun of the making of the Secund act, that
none sould declyne his Hienesse' authoritie, in respect that the
commoun proverb beareth, ' Ex malis morihus honoe leges natcB sunt,'
that is, Of evill maners good lawes proceed. And, in verie deed, it
laiketh not a right intolerable arrogancie in anie subject called be-
fore his prince, professing and authorizing the same truthe, to dis-
claime his authoritie. Nather doe the prophets, apostles, nor others
conducted by the Spirit of God, minister the like exemple : for it
is a great errour to afiirme, as manie doe, that princes and magi-
strats have onlie power to tak order in civill effaires, and that ec-
clesiasticall maters doe onlie belong to the ministrie. By which
meanes, the Pope of Rome hath exeemed himself and his cleargie
from all judgement of princes ; and hath made himself to be judge
of judges, and to be judged of no man. Where as the contrare is
evident, not onlie by the exemples of godlie governours, judges,
and kings of the Ancient Testament, but also by the New Testa-
ment, and the whole historic of the primitive kirk, in the which the
Emperours judged over the Bishops of Rome, deposed them from
their seates ; appointed judges to cognosce and decide in causes
ecclesiasticall, vindicat innocent men, as Athanasius, from the de-
VOL. IV. R
258 calderwood's historie 1585.
terminatloun of the councell holdin at Tyrus ; and by infinite good
reasons, which sail be sett doiin, by the grace of God, in a severall
work, sail be sufJicientlie proved and verified.
" But this appeareth, at this present, to be an unprofitable and
untymelie questioun, which hath no ground upon their part, but of
the preposterous imitatioun of the pretended jurisdictioun of the
Pope of Home. For if there were anie questioun in this land of
heresie, whereby the profound mystereis of the Scriptures behoved
to be searched furth, his Majestie would use the samine remedie
(as most expedient) which the most godlie emperours have used;
and his Majestie, following their exemple, would conveene the
counsell of learned pastors, that, by conference of Scriptures, the
verltie might be opened, and heresie repressed. But, praised be
God, we have not such controverscis in this land, nather hath there
anie heresie taikin anie deepe roote in the countrie. But certane
of the ministrie, joyning themselves to rebels, have travelled to dis-
quiett the state with such questions, that the people might embrace
a sinister opinioun of his Majestie's upright proceedings, and fac-
tions might be nourished and interteanned in the countrie. Nather
is it his Majestie's meaning nor intentioun, in anie sort, to take
away the lawfull and ordinarie judgement in the kirk, whereby
discipline and good order might decay ; but rather to preserve,
mainteane, and increasse the same. And, as there are in the realme
justicers, constables, shireffs, proveists, balliffcs, and other judges
in temporall maters, so his Majestie alloweth, that all things might
be done in order, and a godlie harmonic may be preserved in the
whole estate, the synodall assembleis by the bishops, or commis-
sioners where the place vaiketh, to be conveened twise in the yeere,
to have the ordinar triell of maters belonging to the ministrie and
their estate : alwise reserving to his Hienesse, that if they, or anie
of them, doe amissc, neglect their duetie, disquiett the estate, or of-
fend in suche maner and sort, that they in no wise pretend that
immunitie, priviledge, and exemptioun, which onlie was invented
by the Pops of Rome, to trode under foote the sceptres of princes,
and to establishe an ecclcsiasticall tyrannic within this countrie,
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 259
under pretexte of new invented presbytereis, which nather sould
answere to the king, nor bishop, under his Majestie, but sould have
an infinite jurisdictioun, as nather the law of God nor man can
tolerat. Which is onhe his Majestie's intentioun to represse, and
not to tak away anie godlie or solide order in the kirk, as heerafter
sail appeare.
" The Ferd act of his Majestie's foresaid parliament dischargeth
all judgements ecclesiasticall, and all assembleis which are not al-
lowed by his Majestie in parliament ; which act speciallie concern-
eth the removing and discharging of that forme latehe invented in
this land, called the Presbyterie, wherin a number of ministers of
a certane precinct and bounds, accompting themselves all to be
equall, without anie difference, and gathering unto them certane gen-
tlemen, and others of his Majestie's subjects, usiu-ped all the whole
ecclesiasticall jurisdictioun, and altered the lawes at their owne
appetite, without the knowledge and approbatioun of the king or
the estate — a forme of doing without anie exemple of anie nation n
subject to a Christian prince. The perrell wherof did so increasse,
that incace in due time it had not beene repressed and forbiddin
by his Majestie's lawes, the samine had troubled the whole coun-
trie. And it being tried by his Hienesse to be the overthrow of
his Majestie's estate, the decay of his crowne, and a readie intro-
duction to Anabaptistrie, and popular confusioun in all estats, his
Majestie hath contramanded the same. And, that the reader may
understand the danger therof, by manie inconvenients which there-
by ensued in this land, I will onlie sett doun one, whereby yee
may understand what perrell was in the rest. The ambassador of
France returning home to his owne countrie, the king's Majestie
commanded the proveist, bailiffes, and counsell of Edinburgh, to
give him the bankett, that he might be dimissed honorablie, ac-
cording: to the amitie of ancient times betuixt the two natiouns.
This command was givin on Saturday by his Hienesse, and the
bankett appointed to be upon the Sunday.' A number of the fore-
said pretended presbyterie understanding therof, conveened theni-
' A mistake for Monday.
260 c ALDER wood's historie 1585.
selves upon Sunday, in the morning, and presumptuouslie deter-
mined and agreed, that the ministers of Edinburgh sould pro-
clame a fast upon the samine Moonday, where three severall mini-
sters, one after another, made three diverse sermons, invectives
against the proveist, baillifFes, and counsell for the time, and the
noblemen in the countrie who assisted the bankett, at his Ma-
jestie's command. The foresaid presbyterie called and persued them,
and skarslie by his Majestie's authoritie could be withholdin from
excommunicating the said magistrats and noblemen, for obeying
onlie his Hienesse' lawfull command, which the law of countreis,
called jus gentium, requireth toward ambassadors of forrane coun-
treis ; and not onlie in this, but innumerable other things, their
commandement was oppouned directlie, under the paine of excom-
municatioun, to the king's Majestic and his lawes. Which forme
of doing engendred nothing but disquietnesse, seditioun, and
trouble, as may manifestlie appeare in that, the speciall authors of
the inventing, promoting, and assisting of the foresaid pretended
presbytereis, have joyned themselves with his Majestie's rebels ;
and, fleing furth of the realme, in respect of their guiltinesse, have
discovered what malicious practises were devised among them, if
God had not in time provided remedie.
"The other forme of judgement which his Majestic hath dis-
charged is the Generall Assemblie of the whole cleargic of the
realme, under pretence wherof, a number of ministers from some
presbytereis did assemble, with some gentlemen of the countrie ;
wherof some, for that time malcontents of the estat, sought that
colour, as favourers of the ministrle, by the which they have prac-
tised manie interprises in the realme, where there was no certane
law in ecclesiasticall efFaires, but all depended upon the said gene-
rall conventioun; where the lawes of the kirk were alterable after
the pluralitic of votes, which, for the most part, succeeded unto
the most unlearned of the multitude. This Generall Assemblie,
among other things, did appoint and agree with his Majestie's re-
gents in his Hienesse' minorltie, that the estat of bishops (which
is one of the estats in Parliament) sould be mainteaned and author-
1585. OF THE KIKK OF SCOTLAND. 261
ized, as it is registred in the bookes of counsell, and eubscrived by
the commissioners for the time. Which order was observed manie
yeeres, and bishops, by their consents, appointed to the dioceis ;
whill within this late time, in Assembleis holden at Dundie and
Glasgow, respective, the foresaid ministers and Assembleis tooke
upon them, contrare to their owne haud-writt, to discharge the
estate, and to declare the saniine to be unlawful], in their pretend-
ed maner. And there [they] commanded the bishops of the coun-
trie to dimitt and leave their offices and jurisdictiouns ; and that
in no wise they sould passe to the king's Majestie's counsell or par-
liament, without commissioun obteaned from their Assemblie ; that
they sould vote nothing in parliament and counsell but according
to their acts and injunctions. And, farther, they directed their
commissioners to the king's Majestic, commanding him and the
counsell, under the paine of the censures of the kirk, (whereby
they understand excommunicatioun,) to appoint no bishop in times
to come, becaus they had concluded that estat to be unlawfull.
And, notwithstanding that which they would have dejected in the
bishops, they contended to have erected in themselves ; desiring
that suche commissioners as they sould send to parliament and
counsell might be authorised in place of the estate. Whereby it
sould come to passe, that where as now his Majestic may select
the most godlie, learned, wise, and experimented of the miuistrie,
to be upon his Majestie's estate, his Hienesse sould have beene by
that meanes compelled to accept suche as the multitude, by an od
vote of the most unlearned, sould have appointed : which could
not tend but to the overthrow of the realme, wherof that estate
hath beene a speciall stowpe. After they had discharged the
bishops, they agreed to have superintendents, commissioners, and
visiters. But in the end they decerned, that there sould be no
difference amongst the ministers, and imagined that new forme of
Presbyterie, wherof we have spokin before. Nather was there
anie other appearance, that they sould have stayed frome suche
daylie alteratiouns in the commoun wealth ; which could not but
continuallie be disquietted, where the law of conscience, which
262 calderwood's historie 1585.
they mainteaned by the sword of cursing, was subject to suche
mutations, at the arbitrement of a number, wherof the most part
had not grcatlie taisted of learning. Attour, the foresaid Assem-
bhe was accustomed not onUe to prescrive the law to the king and
estate, but also did, at certane times, appoint generall fastings
throughout the realme, speciallie when some factioners in the
countrie were to move anie great interprise : for, at the fast, all
the ministers were commanded by the said Assemblie to sing one
song, and to cry out upon the abuses (as they termed it) of the
court and estate for the time. Whereby, it is most certane great
alteratioun to have ensued in this land, whill, at the good pleasure
of God, and his blessing toward his Majestic, the pretext of the
last fast was discovered, and his Hienesse delivered from suche
attemptats. Whereby his Majestic hath beene justlie moved to
discharge suche conventiouns which might import so prejudiciallic to
his estat. But, speciallie, his Majestic had no small occasioun, where,
as the samiue Assemblie being conveened at Edinburgh, the day
of did authorize and avow the fact perpetrated at Ruthven, in
the taking of his Hienesse' most noble person. The which deid, not-
withstanding his Majestic, with advice of his estats in parliament,
hath accompted to be treasonable, the said Assemblie, esteeming
their judgement to be the soverane judgement of the realme, hath
not onlie approved the same, but ordeanned all them to be excom-
municated who would not subscrive and allow the samine. So
the acts of this Assemblie, and the lawes of the estat, dircctlie fight-
ing in civill maters, with the which the Assemblie sould not have
medled, it behoved his Hienesse ather to discharge himself of the
crowne, or the ministrie, or that forme of Assemblie ; which, in verie
deed in the self, without the king's Majestie's licence and appro-
batioun, could not be lawfull, like as generall counccls at no time
could goodlie assemble but by the commandement of the cmpe-
rour for the time ; and our king hath no lesse power within his owne
realme than anie of them had in their impyre. Yea, the Bishop
of Sanct Andrewes had not, in time of Poprie, power to conveene
the bishops and clergic out of his owne diocie, without licence im-
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 263
petrated before his Hienesse' most noble progenitors of good rae-
morie, and the causes therof intimated and allowed.
" Notwithstanding, that his Majestie's intention and meaning may
be fuUie understand, it is his Hienesse' will, that the bishop or
commissioner of anie diocie or province, or part therof, sail, at their
visitation, appoint in everie parish, according to the greatnesse ther-
of, some honest, vertuous, and discreit men, to concurre and assist
the minister, and to have the oversight and censure of the maners
and behaviour of the people of the parish. And, if there be anie
notable offence worthy of punishment, that the bishop and com-
missioner be advertised therof, who sail have an officer of amies to
concurre with his decreet, for punishment of vice and executions
to follow therupon ; that they who contemne the godlie and lawful!
order of the kirk may find, by experience, his Majestie's displeasure,
and be punished according to their deservings. And farther, his
Majestic, upon necessar occasiouns, which may fall furth by diverse
maner of wayes among the clergie, upon humble supplicatioun made
unto his Hienesse, will not refuse to grant them licence to con-
veene ; to witt, the bishops, commissioners, and some of the most
vertuous, learned, and godlie of their diocie ; where suche ecclesi-
asticall maters as apperteane to the uniformitie of doctrine, and
conservatioun of a godlie order in the kirk, may be intreated and
concluded in his Majestie's owne presence, or [some of his Majes-
tie's honourable counsell, who sail assist for the time. Where, if
necessitie so require, a publict fast throughout the whole realme
may be decerned, and by his Majestie's authoritie proclamed, to
avoide the imminent displeasure and danger of the wrathe of the
Lord's judgements ; which is the right end of publict humiliation,
and not, under pretext therof, to cover suche interprises as have
heeretofore greatlie disquietted and troubled the peace of this
commoun wealth.
" The Twentie act ratifieth, appro veth, and re-establisheth the
estat of bishops within the realme to have the oversight and juris-
dictioun, everie one in their owne dioceis. Which forme of go-
vernement and rule in ecclesiasticall eifaires hath not onlie con-
264 caldervvood's historie 1585.
tinued in the kirk from the dayes of the apostles by continuall
successioun of time, and manie martyrs in that calling shed their
blood for the truthe ; but also since this realme rcceaved and em-
braced the Christian religioun, the same estate hath beene main-
teaned to the weelefare of the kirk and quietnesse of the realme,
without anie interruptioun ; whill, within these few yeeres, some
curious and bussie men have practised to enduce in the ministrie
an equalitie and paritie in all things, als weill concerning the preach-
ing of the Word, ministratioun of the sacraments, as likewise in
discipline, order, and pollcie. The which confusioun his Majestie
finding, by most dangerous experience, to have beene the mother
and nurce of great factiouns, seditions, and troubles, within this
realme, hath, with advice of his Hienesse' estats, maturelie and
advisedlie concluded the said pretended paritie in discipline, orders,
and policie in the kirk, to be no longer tolerated in this countrie ;
but the solicitude and care of moe kirks of one diocie to apperteane
to the bishop and commissioner therof, who sail be answerable to
God, his Majestie, and estats, for the right administratioun and
discharge of the office of particular ministers within the bounds of
their jurisdictioun. For, as it becometh his Majestie (as Eusebius
writeth of Constantinus the Great) to be a bishop of bishops, and
universall bishop within his realme, in so farre as his Majestie
sould appoint everie one to discharge their duetie, so his Hienesse
can not, his countrie being large and great, take him to everie
minister that sail offend or transgresse against duetie, or querell
with the whole number of the ministrie ; but it behoveth his Ma-
jestie to have bishops and overseers under him, that may be answer-
able for suche bounds as the law and order of the countrie hath
limited and appointed unto everie one of them ; and that they
having accesse to his Majestie's parliament and counsell, may in-
terceed for the rest of the brethrein of the ministrie, propone their
greeves unto his Hienesse and estats, and receave his Majestie's
favourable answere therin. The which forme doeth preserve a
godlie harmonic, unltie, concord, and peace, in the estat, and a
solide order in the kirk ; as contrariwise, the pretended equalitie
1585. OP THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 265
divideth the samine ; and, under pretext of equalitie, maketh some
of the most craftie and subtile dealers to be advanced and inrlched,
and, in pretending of paritie, to seek nothing but their owne ambi-
tioun and advancement above the rest of the simple sort.
" And notwithstanding that his Majestic hath re-established the
said estat, it is not his Hienesse' intentioun that the forsaid bishop
sail have suche full power as to doe within his diocie what he
pleaseth. For, as his Majestic can not allow of a popular confu-
sioun, wherin, (as the proverb witnesseth,) ' Nulla tyrannis cequi-
paranda est tyrannidi multitudinis,' that is. No tyrannic can be com-
pared to the tyrannic of a multitude having commandement and
power in their hands, so, upon the other part, his Majestie's will is,
that the bishop's authoritie in anie grave mater be limited and cir-
cumscrived to the counsell of thritteene of the most ancient, wise,
and godlie pastors of his diocie, selected furth of the whole synodall
assemblie of the province, by whose advice, or, at the least, the
most part therof, the grave and weightie efFaires of the kirk may
be conducted and governed to the glorie of God and quietnesse of
the realm e.
" Farther, it is his Hienesse' will and expresse commandement
that these bishops or commissioners, twise in the yeere, to witt, ten
dayes after the Pasche time, and the sixt of September, hold their
synodall assembleis in everie diocie, for the keeping of good order
therin. And if anie be refractor or contemner w ithin their bounds
of the good order of the kirk, they may be declared unto his Ma-
jestic, and punished, in the example of others, according to their
deservings. Nather is it his Majestie's meaning or intentioun that
suche bishops or commissioners as sail be[_appointed, sail receave
their onlie and full comraissioun of his Majestic, without admissioun
ordinar, by suche as are appointed to that effect in the kirk ; but
having his Hienesse' nominatioun, presentatioun, and commenda-
tioun, as lawfull and onlie patron, they to be tried and examined
that their qualities are suche as they are able and sufficient to dis-
charge their cure and office. And if it sail happin anie of the saids
bishops or commissioners to be negligent in their office, or to be
266 calderwood's historie 1585.
slanderous and offensive in their behaviour, life, and maners, in
anie time comming, it is not his Hienesse' will that they sail be
exceraed from correctioun, notwithstanding of anie priviledge of
his Hienesse' estat, counsell, or parliament ; but their labours, tra-
vells, diligence, and behaviour, to be tried in the Generall Assem-
blie, not consisting of a confused multitude, as it was of before, but
of suche Avorshipfull persons as are heeretofore prescrived in his
Hienesse' owne presence, or his Majestie's deputeis to that effect.
"Last, his Majestic giveth commissioun to the said bishops or com-
missioners, at their visitatiouns, to consider in what part of the
countrie the exercise or interpretatioun of the Sci'ipture (by con-
ference of a certan number of the ministrie within that bounds)
may be most commodiouslie once in the fiffceene dayes. For, as his
Majestic inhibiteth all unlawfull conventiouns which may ingcnder
trouble and contentioun in the countrie, so his Majestic is weill-
affected to see the ministrie increasse in knowledge and under-
standing, and by all meanes to fortifie and advance the same.
Wherin his Hienesse' commandemcnt is, that a grav8, wise, and
sage man, sail be appointed president, who may have the oversight
of that bounds, and be answerable therefore to the bishop, his
counsell, and synod ; and he to be respected reasonablie for his
paines, at the modificatioun of stipends, that all things may be or-
derlic done in the kirk, peace and quietnesse mainteaned in the
realme, and we delivered from the appearand plagues, and the
blessing of God continued to the confort of our posteritie. And, in
the meane time, his Hienesse exhibiteth, and expresslie contra-
mandcth, under the paines conteaned in his Majestie's acts of Par-
liament, and all other paines arbitrall at his Majestie's sight and
counsell, that no ministers take upon hand to conveene themselves
for the forsaid cans, without the appointment and order taikin by
the saids bishops or commissioners, whereby his Hienesse may be
certainlie informed that the forsaids ministers conveene not to med-
dle with anie civill maters or effaires of estate, as was accustomed
before ; l)ut onlic to profite in the knowledge of the Word, and to
be conforted one by another in the administration of their spirituall
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND, 267
office. Which his Hienesse wisheth them faithfullie to discharge ;
and them to call to God that his Majestic, in a prosperous raigne,
enjoy good and long life, and continue and increasse into the
feare of the Almightie God."
THE king's MAJESTIE'S INTENTIONS.
" 1. His Majestic s intention is, by the grace of God, to main-
teane the true and sincere professioun of the Gospell, and preach-
ing therof, within this realme.
" 2. His Majestie's intentioun is to correct and punishe suche as
seditiouslie abuse the chaire of truthe, and factiouslie apply, or
rather bewray, the text of the Scripture, to the disquietting of the
estat and disturbing of the commoun wealth, or impairing of his
Hienesse' or counsell's honour.
" 3. His Majestie's intentioun is, if anie questioun of faith or
doctrine arise, to convocat the most learned, godlie, wise, and ex-
perimented pastors, that, by conference of Scriptures, the veritie
may be tried, and all hereseis and schismes by that meanes re-
pressed.
" 4. His Majestie's intentioun is, for keeping of good order in
everie parish, certane to be censors of maners of the rest be ap-
pointed at the visitatioun of the bishop or visiter, who sail have his
Majestie's authoritie, and officers of armes concurring for the pun-
ishment of vice.
" 5. His Majestie's intentioun is to mainteane the exercise of
prophecie, for the increasse and continuing of knowledge among
the ministrie. In the which a wise and grave man, selected by the
bishop or commissioner at the Synodall Assemblie, sail preside,
and rander a compt of the administratioun of that bounds where
the exercise is holdin. For the which cans some respect of living
sail be had unto him who susteaneth that burthen.
" 6. His Majestie's intention is not to derogat unto the ordinar
judgement of maters of the kirk, by the ordinar bishops, their coun-
cels and synods ; but, if anie of them doe amisse, and abuse their
268 calderwood's historic 1585.
calling, to tak order for correcting, amending, and punishing
therof.
" 7. His Majestie's intention is not to hinder or stay aule godlie
or solide order grounded upon the Word of God, and order of the
primitive kirk ; but that the ministers of the "Word meddle them-
selves onlie with their owne calling, and judge temerariouslie of the
estat.
" 8. It is his Majestie's intentioun that the presbytereis, consist-
ing of manie ministers and gentlemen at landwart, or otherwise,
be no further tolerated in this realme ; but the exercise of the
jurisdictioun of moe kirks to be in the hands of the bishop or com-
missioner, and their councels and synods.
" 9. It is his Majestie's intentioun that the bishops or commis-
sioners conveene not a Generall Assemblie out of the whole realme,
without his Majestie's knowledge and licence obteaned therunto ;
which, upon supplicatioun, his Hienesse will not denie, that an uni-
forme order may be conserved in the whole realme, and the bishops
and their diligences there tried and examined, and the complaints
of everle particular heard and discussed.
" 10. It is his Majestie's intentioun to assist this Assemblie him-
self, or by a nobleman of his counsell, his Hienesse' depute.
"11. It is his Majestie's intention that when anie parish findeth
necessitie of a fast, they intimie the occasioun to the bishop or
commissioner their counsell, that they may understand that the
cans is lawful! ; as likewise, the bishop of the diocie, finding law-
full occasioun, may, within the same, with his owne counsell, pre-
scrive a publlct humiliation.
" 12. It is his Majestie's intentioun that a generall fast, through-
out the whole realme, sail not be proclamed but by his Majestie'a
coramandement, or by that generall councell wherin his Majestic
or his Hienesse' deputie is present.
" 13. It is his Hienesse' intentioun that the bishops in the
realme, in everie diocie, with their counsell, preside into the eccle-
siasticall govcrnement ; but, as said is, with a councell, that both
tyrannic and confusioun may be evlted in the kirk.
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 269
'' 14. It is hia Hienesse' intentioun that commissioners be direct-
ed, universallie through the whole realme, to establish a godlie
order, and that his Majestie's commissioners take order presentlie
for the translatioun of suche ministers, whose travells they esteeme
may more convenientlie and profitablie serve in another place."
THE CENSURE.
" This declaration, inglossing upon the secund act, maketh men-
tioun heere and there of the king's authoritie, some time as though
it were absolute, and some time as though it were limited and
bounded. So that the declaratioun itself had need of a new decla-
ratioun in that point.
" Wheras he alledgeth, that his Majestic will follow the exemple
of godlie emperours, in convocating learned men to conferre upon
maters of heresie, his declaratioun hath not the strenth of an act ;
nather can he assure us that his Majestie, his hey res, and succeS'
sours, will convocat learned men, and stand at their decisioun.
But what is this to the ordinar judgement of a nationall assemblie ?
If professed Papists and Jesuits flocke home frome forrane na-
tiouns, and find greater favour and credit at court, at anie time
heerafter, than all the ministers of the lie, and challenge them for
anie heed of religioun, sail the king and counsell be judge, and no
appellatioun be made, under the paine of treasoun ? What sail
then become of religioun and the professors therof ? The learned
and sounder sort of the Eomanists themselves place a generall
councell above the Pope.
** As for his alledgance, that Mr Andrew Melvill his protestatioun
was the occasioun of the making of this act ; putt the cace, he had
offended in so doing : if the act in it self be not justifiable, the pre-
tended occasioun cannot excuse the making of it. But the truthe
is, he protested onlie for that same libertie which was granted to
others, to answere, in prima instantia, before his ordinar, the pres-
byterie, provincial! or nationall assemblie, according to the agree-
ment concluded betulxt certan of the counsell and commissioners of
the kirk, and practise ensuing therupon ; or, that he might injoy
270 calderwood's historie 1585.
the liberteis of the universitie, seing his Hienesse' noble progenitors
granted to maisters and students of the Universitie of Sanct An-
drewes a speciall priviledge, latelie confirmed by his Majestie's self
and three estate in parliament, that when anie maister or student
is accused of anie oflfence, speciallie committed within the univer-
sitie, that the rector and his assessors sould be judges jjrima in-
stantia. The great hatred of chcefc courteours seeking his ruine,
moved him to flee to all lawfull remedeis, beside their purpose to
make the king and counsell judges of the ministers' doctrine, as
this act hath made manifest. As for the mater of his accusatioun,
both his owne declaratioun, by Avord and by writt, and the deposi-
tioun of the witnesses, cleered him. Wheras he maketh him
privie unto diverse conspiraceis of before, he nor all his adversareis
could not make good that he understood anie thing ather of the
Road of Ruthven or of the Road of Stirline ; for these are the two
conspiraceis he meaneth. •
" In his discourse upon the fourth act, he maketh it concerne spe-
ciallie the Generall Assembleis and the Presbytereis, the walls and
bulwarkes of our discipline, the two greatest ey-sores that bishops
can behold. As for our Generall Assembleis, they were frequented
by men of all estats, and speciallie men of credit about the king
and his regents. Some were authorized, by commissioun fi-ome
them, to repaire thither frome time to time. The king and his re-
gents held hand to them ; and so, by their actioun, allowed them,
which is more than a tacite consent ; yea, and by their verball
lawcs and cxpresse consent approved them ; for cxecutioun of acts
against Papists is referred to the AssembUe ; commissioners directed
from parliament, to conferre with the commissioners appointed by
the Assemblie ; the appellations of laick patrons are ordeanned to
end, and take decisioun of the Generall Assemblie ; superintend-
ents, possessours, or titulars of prelacies, are ordeanned to be called
before the Generall Assemblie, and to be deprived, incace they be
found hereticall in doctrine. The acts ratifeing the jurisdictioun
of the kirk, by consequence also ratified the Generall Assembleis,
where all ecclesiasticall jurisdictioun was ordered, and some time
exercised. The letter directed by the Generall Assemblie, holdin
1585. OP THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 271
at Edinburgh, sixth of Marche, maketh mentioun of an act of par-
liament allowing a General! Assemblie twise in the yeere. Putt
the cace, the Generall Assembleis had not hitherto allowance, yitt
they ought to have had allowance, and not to have beene discharg-
ed ; for they have their warrant and institutioun from Christ.
They need no more of Christian princes, but their approbatioun and
assistance to their better being. He pretendeth some incon-
veniences to flow from the Assembleis : first, that they approved
the Road of Euthven, which was declared treasonable. But it was
not declared treasonable in the meane time, but good service.
They would not have medled with it, were not they were induced
thereto by good reasons, as I have above rehearsed.
"Farther, he inveygheth like a bellie-god against the solemne fasts
indicted by the Assembleis, as if rebellioun had beene intended
under pretext of fasts ; when as fasting could not be joyned with
the purpose of rebellioun, except the purpose had beene intimated,
or ellis their fasting was celebrated with blind obedience to the
privie conspiracie of "a few ; for ellis, how could the Assemblie,
consisting of persons of all estats, and often times his Majestie'a
owne commissioners present, indict a fast, or men of all estats obey
the indictioun, and the rebellioun not to be discovered ? The Kirk
of Scotland hath reaped great confort and fruicts of their solemne
fasts ; and the enemeis have beene more affrayed of them nor of
great armeis of men, as they have themselves confessed. So that,
in the dayes of her solemne fastings, she was like an armie teri-ible
with banners.
" That the Assemblie Avas accustomed to prescribe lawes to the
king ; that they sould command the king and counsell, under paine
of excommunicatioun, to appoint no bishops in time to come, and
suche other calumneis, are not worthie to be answered ; for, to draw
out of the pure fountans of God's Word an ecclesiasticall canon
agreeable to the same, and to sute, like humble supplicants, the
approbatioun of the same, is the duetie of the kirk. But this is
not to prescrive lawes to the king and the estat ; yea, farther, I
say, it is the duetie of the kirk to admonishe and reprove princes
272 calderwood's iiistorie 1585.
and all estats, incace they will, for no supplicatioun, assist and putt
to their helping hand to the godlie constitutiouns of the kirk. As
for the presbytereis, they were approved, with the universall con-
sent of all men, yea, even of this adversarie himself. The king
likewise, by his commissioners and authoritie, confirmed the same,
in an Assemblie holdin at Glasgow in Aprile 1581 ; and, farther,
by his commissioun in writt, subscrived with his owne hand, and
directed to the ministers, barons, and gentlemen, in sindrie parts of
the land, for the erectioun of the said presbytereis according to the
forme agreed upon. Which commissioun of his Majestic was re-
verentlie obeyed, and suddanlie, as became, putt in executioun.
" When he hath searched all that he can to disgrace the presby-
tereis with alledged inconveniences flowing from them, he alledg-
eth but onlie one, to witt, that the Presbyterie of Edinburgh ap-
pointed a fast to be keeped upon the day that the French ambas-
sader, De la Mott, was banketted by the toun of Edinburgh. This
is a false alledgance : for not the toun, but some French fac-
tioners of the toun, banketted the ambassader. Three bailliffes, the
greatest part of the counsell, were in the kirk in the time of the
banket, and some also of the king's Privie Counsell. Nixt, there
was no fast indicted, but a voluntarie abstinence. Thridlie, the
presbyterie, becaus of the suddantie and secrecie of the mater,
could not conveene ather to indict a fast, or ellis proclame a volun-
tarie abstinence. The particular sessioun of the kirk of Edinburgh,
with advice of so manic magistrats and counsellers as were not
contrivers of the bankett, appointed a voluntarie abstinence. What
if the presbyterie had done as he alledgeth ? Sail all presbytereis be
discharged for the fault of one ? Then lett all bishops be hanged as
tratours, becaus not onlie one, but manie bishops have beene tra-
tours. If there be anie thing worthie of blame, it is to be imputed
to the sessioun of one kirk onlie. Sail, therefore, all sessiouns and
parish consistoreis be abolished ? But that sessioun is not to be
blamed, if yee will looke backe to the historic which I have al-
readie rehearsed. But the penner of the declaratioun declare th
himself to be partiall ; for if he had pleased, he might have pub-
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 273
lished in this his pamphlet, how the Christian ambassaders, com-
ming from a Christian princesse, acknowledging our king as sole
king, and traffiquing betuixt the two nighbour kingdoms for firme
confederacie, which tended to the establishment of religioun among
us, were, notwithstanding, uncourteouslie used by the Frenche fac-
tioun. One sent in ambassadge from our nighbours of England, of
good accompt among all Christians, and a speciall freind to the pro-
fessors of Scotland, some of the nobilitie minding tointerteanehimby
freindlie courtesie at meate, durst not, for the malice of great court-
eours for the time. Another railed upon in the streets by Kait the
witche, and other the like bairds' and naughtie packes, who, by the
forsaid courteours, were hyred for that purpose ; and a libell was made
in the name of Kait the witche, to disgrace the queene, his mastresse.
The thrid, to witt, Mr Eandulph, had receaved a bullet instead of
a banket, if God had not provided for his safetie. A vile railing
letter against the Queene of England, his soverane, and her governe-
ment, was clapped to the doore of his loodglng, to cheare him with-
all. But, belike, this man cared not muche what become of them,
so that his knight of the Councell of Trent were made to make good
cheare. Isaias reproved Ezekias for his too familiar interteanment
of the Babylonish ambassader. Necessar interteanment and com-
moun courtesie, allowed by the law of natiouns, no man denyeth.
But what just reasons the sessioun and ministrie of the kirk of
Edinburjih had to be moved at the extraordinarie banketting; of
the Babylonish ambassader, I have declared in the owne place.
Lett the judicious reader consider everie circumstance.
*' As to the twentie act, he defendeth the estat of bishops, as
most agreable to God's Word, which, before, he damned and ab-
jured. He coloureth their monarchic with a counsell, which sail
assist them in their dioceis. But this counsell sail be at the
bishop's choice. So, yee may be sure, they sail be als corrupt as
himself. And then, forsooth ! yee sail have a knott of good fel-
lowes, or rather a packe of Placeboes, to bridle the bishop's tyran-
nic. But what suppose they had beene chosen to his hand ? is the
' Railers.
VOL. IV. S
274 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1585.
Holie Ghost gone from the rest, and tjed to the places or persons
of a few chapterlie men ?
" The keyes of the kingdome of heavin, givin to all pastors, must
be putt in the hands of the bishop's counsellers. Manie moe things
may be said against this bastard declaratioun. But he himself
was minded afterward to confute it, as we sail see, in his recanta-
tioun. What I have not presentlie answered is answered before,
or is to be answered yitt farther, in the answere to the intentiouns,
and the dialosrue foUowinff."
AN ANSWERS TO THE DECLARATION OF CERTAN INTENTIONS SETT
OUT IN TUE king's NAME, TUICHING HIS MEANING TOWARD THE
LATE ACTS OF PARLIAMENT, FOR DISCLOSING OF THE IMPIETIE
OF A PART OF GOD's ENEMEIS IN SCOTLAND. 7TH FEB. 1585.
" Omitting things spokin particularlie against certan persons in
this declaratioun, incace I sould prejudge them of their owne
rights, in answering for themselves, I minde but verie shortlie to
tuiche the preface, and fourteen intentiouns, in the end that godlie
men be not deceaved by the hypocrisie of the enemeis of God's
kirk in our countrie, but may suspend their judgements : or then,
considering their proceedings, may know them by their doings, till
the full and exact answere be sett doun by them to whom it spe-
ciallie belongeth ; and wlio will take in hand so to doe, to the singu-
lar confort of the distressed Church of Scotland, and more ample
manifesting of the bloodie and cruell hypocrisie of our enemeis.
As to the Preface.
" Wheras it is said that some evill-affected men goe about, so farre
as in them lyeth, to invent lees, to staine the king's fame and honour,
etc. — It cannot be denied, but there are manie suche like men that
not onlle have done so, but also, have so farre proceeded in the same,
that the heai'ts of all that feare God are wounded with the remem-
brance therof. For wheras, from his birth God did provide, by the
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 275
govemement and instructioun of good men, that he sould be brought
up in the sincere knowledge of the truthe, and in all good and
godlie exercises consonant therunto ; wherupon he not onlie became
a miracle, as it were, of godlinesse, wisdome, learning, and virtue,
among the rest of the kings of the earth ; but also, his kingdome
was a mirrour of sinceritie in religioun to others round about. It
floorished in great peace and tranquillltie ; his subjects lived therin
in true godlinesse, under his obedience ; his name was made noto-
rious and knowne to natiouns farre and neere, and a good expecta-
tioun was planted in the hearts of all men, hoping for good effects
of so godlie educatioun.
" But now the wheele is turned almost, as it were, upside doun,
and his good fame daylie decreasseth, and is impaired. And no
mervell : for if an Achitophel inverted the kingdome of godlie
David, (Sam. xvii.) a Sobnali infected the kingdom of zealous
Ezekias, (Isai. xxii. 18,) an Ilaman troubled the kingdom of
Ahashuerus, (Ester iii.) and Judas, betraying his Maister, scat-
tered the whole flocke, (Matt. xxvi. 45, 56,) what inversioun,
infectioun, trouble, and dissipatioun must ensue in that king-
dom, where Achitophel, Sobnah, Haman, and Judas, joyned to-
gether, with manifest sorcerers, wutches, Atheists, and professed
Papists, have seazed upon his young person, and ceasse not both
day and night to corrupt his godlie educatioun ; alluring him to all
kinde of impietie and ungodlinesse, Avhich from his heart he de-
teasted of before, and drawing him so farre fordward in assenting
unto their unhappie purposes, that by that meane, once feltered^
and embrued, as it were, in impietie, he hath no power to turne
backe againe. So, these pernicious pests and monsters of men
have made him to consent to the murther and martyrdome of his
neerest kinsmen, governours, counsellers, and defenders of his
royall authoritle in his youth. These have sett before his eyes,
and daylie ding in his eares, that devilllsh opinioun of absolute
power, whereby they have made him to consent to make lawes
for binding of the consciences of men, for wracke of religioun, and
' Entangled.
276 calderwood's iiistouik 1585.
everting of ecclesiastlcall discipline, and to spoile Christ Jesus, the
King of kings, of his scepter, and to throw his power out of his
hand. These have made him to consent to the banishment of sin-
drie of his nobilitie, favourers of God's good caus, and speciall
lovers of himself, and to waird [in] prisson sindrie others. These
have made him to persecute extremelie the true pastors of Christ's
church, by banishment, imprissonment, spoiling of their livings, and
shoring' of them with instant death, becaus they thought that they
sould, as the Lord's true watchemen, have spokin against their
monstrouous proceedings. These have broght in about his Majestic,
and to his companie, enemeis to God, like themselves, enemeis to
religioun, professers of Papistrie, plaine avowers of idolatrie, and
approvers of the bloodie massacres executed upon the sancts of
God. By these, and suche like open doings, they have preassed,
not onlie to derogat the free passage of the Gospell and discipline
ecclesiasticall, but also to evert the Avhole doctrine and discipline
flowing out of the pure fountans of the Word of God. Wherupon,
of necessitie, must flow wracke of religioun, eversioun of policie
ecclesiasticall, and establishing of Papistrie and Atheisme in all
estats.
" And yitt, su})pose these things be als cleere as the sunne to
manie, their bold hypocrisie is suche, that by the coloured cloke of
good IXTENTION, they would perswade men that falshood is truthe,
darkenesee light, and hell were heaven. But that no man be de-
ceaved, lett evei'ie good man use that rule that Jesus Christ
hath left in the Evangell — By their workes yee sail know them ;
and he sail find, lyke as Satan most diligentlie hath travelled in all
ages, sometimes by opin force, sometimes by hid falshood and hy-
pocrisie, to overthroAV the Gospell and zealous professers therof, so,
speciallie now, in the latter dayes, seing the truthe invincible, and
his kingdome of lees discovered, he hath, as a desperat chiftane,
enflammed these his childrcin of darkenesse, and coupled in their
person both the one and the other, that with might and slight in-
vading the same, and giving the last assault, he may appeare to
1 Menacing.
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 277
leave nothing undone that an old craftie and cruell experimented
divell can or may doe. Open thyne eyes, therefore, good Chris-
tian reader, and thou sail see that these are enemeis to religioun,
tratours to his Majestie, in effect subtile serpents in his bosome,
wounding them daylie more and more in conscience and fame,
craftie and cruell Avoolves under pretext of religioun, wrackers of
religioun, disquietters of the estat, and perjured cuntroveeners of
the oath, band, and obligatioun of faith, wherunto, by the great
oath of the Lord, they subscrived with his Majestie not long since,
the day of
" Moreover, that thou, who is God's true worshipper, and his
Majestie's faithfull subject, be not abused with the coloured cloke
of their intentiouns, sett out in his name, I heartilie desire thee to
read this their declaratioun ; and I promise thee that if thou weill
and advisedlie consider it, thou sail find the mervellous power of
God declared thereby, who hath made them by suche a declara-
tion to open wide to the whole Avorld their irreconcilable hatred
against the truthe, and their malice hid before, mervellouslie, at
their owne commands, detected. And to the end that thou, good
reader, may the more easilie understand it, I come to the forteene
intentions subjoynned in the end, that thou, comparing tliis an-
swere with them, may see their open impietie.
" The inscription is —
" THE king's majestie's INTENTIONS.-
" God blesse his Majestie, and open his eyes to see and behold
how, under his name and authoritle, himself, God's church, his true
subjects, and whole kingdome, is abused, that he may follow the
blessed exemple of holie King David, sett out in the hundreth and
one Psalme. As for the word intentioun, it is found in the Booke
of God, taikin in sindrie significations, but cheefelie in two. One
for that which is good ; another for that which is evill. A good
intentioun is that which, proceeding from the inward dytcment of
God's Spirit, rightlie raeaneth his glorie, and is consonant in all
278 CALOliUWOOO's illSTOKlE 1585.
points to that pcrfyte rule of all righteousnesse ; that i^, tlic will of
God reveeled in his Word. Which intentioun is laudable, approved,
commanded, and blessed of God, as may be seene in the Booke of
Deuteronomie, (Dcuter. xl v.,) when he commanded his law so to be
followed in all our intentiouns and actiouns, that it onlie be our
wisdome and understanding ; from which also it is not leasomc
to declyne, ather to the right or to the left hand. This same is
also renewed to us under the Evangell, wherin we are commanded
not to fashioun our selves like unto the world ; but to be changed
by the renewing of our mindes, that we may prove what is the
good will of God, acceptable and perfyte before him. Evill inten-
tioun is that which, proceeding from man's wisdome, (what end so-
ever it be directed to,) is ather God's Word, or hath warrant ther-
into, speciallie in maters of conscience and religioun. This inten-
tioun is disallowed, forbiddiii, damned, and accursed of God, as
is evidentlie expressed, not onlie in the Bookes of Numbers and
Isay, (Numb. xv. 12 ; Isay Iv. 8,) where God sayeth, ' Seeke not
after your owne heart, and your owne ease ; for my thoughts are
not as your thoughts, nather my wayes as your wayes, sayeth the
Lord. But as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my
wayes higher than your wayes, and my thoughts are above your
thoughts ;' but also in that most fearefull exemple of Uzzah, who
putting but his hand unto the arke of God, to hold it, of a prepos-
terous intentioun, when the oxen did shake it, Avas slaine in th;it
place, and destroyed without mercie, (2 Sam. v. 6.)
" Now, if these intentiouns be good that are sett doun in this
declaratioun, and if they be found, according to this rule, suche as
have proceeded from the dytement of God's Spirit, rightlie mean-
ing his glorie, and so are according to God's Word, surelie they
are praiseworthic ; and they arc unhappie that doe not alloAv or
subscrive them. But on the contrare, if they be found to have
proceeded of man's w'sdom, to deface the glorie of God, and are
ather plainlie repugning to the Word, or have no warrant therimto,
surelie we must say with God's Spirit, they are damnable, and they
are accursed that have invented them, or allow or subscrive them,
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 279
considering that fearefull threatning of the prophet plainlie pro-
nouncing, ' Woe be to them that speeke good of evill, and evill
of good ; that putt darknesse for light, and light for darknesse ;
and that putt SAveite for sowre, and sowre for sweite.'
" Now, therefore, I come to the examinatioun of the intentiouns
particularlie, everie one by themselves, wherin, by the grace of
God, I trust we sail see, by the true tuichestone of the Word, and
their owne daylie dealing, that all their intentiouns are ather mani-
festlie evill, or, if they have anie shadow of goodnesse in the gene-
rail, their daylie practises sail accuse them of untruthe before the
whole world."
AS TO THE FIRST INTENTION.
" Where they aflBrme his Majestie's intentioun to be, to main-
teane the true and sincere professioun of the Gospell, and preach-
ing therof within this realme, indeid, his duetie so requireth, and in
office and conscience he is bound so to doe, seing kings are ap-
pointed to be nourishers of the church, (Isay xlix. 23.) And sure-
lie, one day he will be called, and his counsellers, to appeare before
that great God and righteous Judge of the world, to answere for
their doings ; where the bookes of men's consciences being layed
open and naked, no cloake of coloured intentioun will be found to
cover it with. Therefore, in this point, his Majestic ought to be
verie wise and circumspect, to witt, that he presume to doe no-
thing but according to his writtin Word, incace he mainteane er-
rors for truthe : for the which caus, he is also charged to have the
Booke of God continuallie with him ; to read theron all the dayes
of his life, that he may learne to feare God, and keepe all the words
of his law and his ordinances to doe them ; that his heart be not
lifted up, and that he turne not from the commandement to the
right hand nor to the left, (Deuter. xvii. 19.) Which, with all our
heart, we wishe and pray that his Majestic sould doe. But anic
man that will not be wilfullie blind, may easilie see by the effects
and doings, this intentioun to be manifest untruthe ; becaus, first,
280 caldeiiwood's histokik 1585.
the acts of parliament made in May last, directlie repugne unto the
writtin Word. So that the positioun of them importeth the ever-
sioun of the Gospell, and sincere preaching therof, Nixt, sindrie
proclamations have beene nia:le since, and suche rigorous handling
hath proceeded therupon against sindrie of the ministrie, that some
of them have beene pulled doun from the pulpit, some of them im-
prissouned, others banished, some putt to silence, and some spoiled
of their livings, (and that without citatioun, accusatioun, or lawfull
convictioun,) for the preaching of the Word sincerelie, as their office
required. And moreover, lawfull pastors are fleed from their flockes,
bellie-gods and mercenareis are planted in their rowmes, and the
poore people are compelled, with dolour of heart and greefe of con-
science, to heare them. Now, therefore, lett all good men but of
small judgement see whether or not these effects proceed from
suche an intentioun as would mainteane the Gospell, and sincere
preaching therof. Alas ! rather, these are the last dayes and pe-
rellous times (wherof the apostle speaketh) in which we are fallin ;
w^here suche men rule, that are lovers of themselves, and having a
shew of godlinesse have denyed the power therof; from which all
good men are commanded to turne away."
AS TO THE SECUND INTENTION.
" Where it is said it is his Majestie's intention to correct and
punishe suche as seditiouslie abuse the chaire of truthe, and fac-
tiouslie apply or bewray the Scripture, to the disquietting of the
estat, disturbing of the commoun wealth, and impairing of his
Hienesse' and counsell's honour, surelie his Majestie's intention is
good, providing true triell past before, and lawfull correction
followed after, according to God's Word. But who seeth not in
the one and the other the Word neglected, and lawfull meanes
tramped under foote ? Who seeth not the cleane contrarie course
to the intention prosecuted ? Are not apostats, schismaticks, bel-
lie-gods, excommunicats, and men both suspended and cast from
their ministrie for just causes, admitted to the chaire of truthe?
1585. OF THE KIIIK OF scotlam:). 281
Are not these who, beinjr all their dayes notorious blotts in the
church, and suche as confessed themselves they never had the spi-
rit of true applicatioun of the Scripture, preferred to high rowmes ?
And who seetli not the chief end of their preferment to be to de-
fame the holie ministrie in their brutish persons, for the eversioun
of that blessed light of the truthe in our countrie, and disturbing
of tlie commoun wealth ; and for the flattering of princes and
people, king and counsell, in their impietie, that sleeping, tliey may
perish in their sinnes ? For why ? Are not Amaziah's speeches
and boastings daylie uttered of the true pastors ? ' O seers, goe,
flee away in the land of Judah ; eate there your bread, and pro-
phesie no more at Bethel ; for it is the king's place and chappell,
and the king's court.' Do not the rebellious children say unto
their pastors, ' See not ; and unto the prophets, Prophesie not unto
us right things ; but speeke flattering things unto us, and prophe-
sie erroui's?' (Isa. xxx. 10.) Is not, then, the time come, spokin
of by Paul, wherin they will suffer no wholesome doctrine ; ' but
having their eares itching, after their owne lusts gett them a heape
of teachers, and, turning their eares frome the truthe, give them-
selves unto fables ?' (2 Tim. iv. 3.) Where, then, is this intentioun
])rosequuted ? It appeareth, it was never meanned. O poore
Scotland I miserable now is thy estat, spoiled of thy greatest or-
nament, and burthened with unsavourie salt, (I meane, the aposta-
ticall bishoj^s, and all their young birds that beare their marke ;)
which is profitable for nothing, but to be cast out, and trod under
the feet of men, (Mat. v. 13.) And yitt, more miserable is thy
estate, that thy princes seing suche like unsavourie salt in thee,
(which privilie in their consciences, also, they confesse,) as wilfullie
blind men, they take pleasure therin."
AS TO THE THRID INTENTION.
" Whereas they say it is his Majestie's intentioun, if ania ques-
tioun in faith or doctrine arise, to convocat the most godlie, learn-
ed, wise, and experimented pastors, that by conference of Scrip-
282 CALDEiaVUOD's HLSTOUIE 1585.
tures, the veritle may be tried, schismes repressed ; this surelic is
a laudable intentioun, if it be rightlie, according to the Word, done
as it is spokin. But, alas ! these are Avords onlie ; for who, look-
ing discreitlie upon the estat of Scotland, and the tyrannous course
and dealing presentlie used, will not find heerin a manifest un-
truthe ? Is not the whole ministrie cast loose ? Are they not all
esteemed, ather railers, sophists, or idiots, by the cheefe court-
eours ? Is not all craft and crueltle used against them, to subdue
them unto the phantaseis of men, that being men-pleasers, they
might ceasse to be servants to Christ ? (Galat. i. 10.) Moreover,
are not sindrle of the best learned, godlie, wise, and experimented,
ather violentlie abandouned their countrie, ather banished from their
flockes, ather Imprissouned, or then, by extreme boasting, so buried
as it were, that when questions sail arise, ather in faith, doctrine, or
discipline, none darre or may be present, to conferre Scripture with
Scripture, that the truthe may be tried ; but contrarie, that all
hereseis and schismes may spring and floorish haistilie, as the seed is
alreadie sowin in sindrie places ? And, finallie, if this intentioun be
in them, I would speare why they have, contrarie thereto, so
rashlie, without admitting of reasouning, (offered by the ministrie,
at their late parliament,) condemned the doctrine and discipline
established in the Kirk of Scotland by manie laudable acts before ;
and in place therof brought in a plaine confusioun, forged of man's
braine ? But lett good men espie their said intentioun, and conferre
their doing therewith, and blind sail they be that see them not
enter in the course of the Jcwes' captans and people, who, com-
ming to Jeremie, desired him to aske counsell of the Lord for
them ; and tooke God to be witnesse that they would follow all
things, good or evill, that the Lord commanded them by his pro-
phet ; and yitt, not the lesse, had settled in their hearts firmelie to
follow their owne course, concluded among themselves, (Jerem.
xlii. 43.) And, therefore, Avhen the prophet shew them God's will,
proudlie they said, the prophet spake falselie : the Lord had not
sent him, but all that he had spokin, he had it of their enemeis,
who meanned to slay and carie them captives. This is your inten-
1585. OF THE KISiK OF SCOTLAND. 283
tloun most Avicked ; and, therefore, as they perished in God's wrathc,
assure yourselves, the like dcstructioun is prepared in his righteous
judgements for you, incace yee repent not haistilie."
AS TO THE FOURTH INTENTION.
"Where they say his Majestie's intentioun is, that, for keeping
of good order in everie parisli, certan sould be appointed censors of
the maners of the rest, at the visitations of the bishop or visiter,
"who sail have his Majestie's authoritie, and officers of armes con-
curring, for punishment, this intentioun is damnable and accursed ;
becaus it overthroweth that lawfull and ordinarie policie of elder-
ships and presbytereis, allowed and authorized by God in his Word,
and preferreth thereto man's wisdome and authoritie, which, in all
ages, hath ever beene declared accursed in that point. Also, in
this intentioun there lurketh more hid poysoun than at the first
view can be perceaved, as is more plainlie exponed in the sixt,
eight, and thrid intentiouns, where, by parts, as it were by a com-
mentarie, they explane themselves. For, in all these, although
these Tulchan and bastard bishops be made a skugge,^ under the
which these vipers may evome more covertlie their poysoun, yitt
their cheefe intentioun is to confound the ecclesiasticall and civill
jurisdictions, which Christ, the Sonne of God, hath sepai'ated, (Matt,
xxiii. 21,) and to re-establishc a new Popedome in the person of
the king, that he, being cheefe judge in all causes and controver-
sels, and having an absolute power to determinat, he may putt up
and cast doun religioun at his pleasure, without contradictioun.
For why? First, The ecclesiasticall jurisdictioun, givin immediatlie
by God unto his church, is transferred, by the usurped commissioun
and authoritie of the prince, on the person of bishops, who are his
owne creatures. Nixt, This jurisdictioun granted to bishops is not
granted to them as to the churcli, but as to the king's counsellers
or commissioners, the king being the head wherefra this power
floweth. Thridlie, This jurisdictioun granted is so limited, that
' Shelter, covert.
284 CALDEir.\()()i)'s iir>;T()uiK 1585.
from them appellatiouns may be made to the king and his counsell,
as cheef judge, to give definitive sentence in the same at his plea-
sure, and to correct the bishops as he thinketli good. Which is no
other thing but plaine tyrannic and Popdomc in his person, ac-
cursed of God, which incace our courtcours will denie, it will be
but vaine laboiu', seing, by the same papall authoritie, the cheef
parts of discipline ecclesiasticall are usurped; as the making of ec-
clesiasticall persons, dei^ositioun of ministers, and absolving of sin-
drie excommunicats from the sentence of excommunicatioun. Re-
member, remember in time, I counsell you, how hard a thing it is
to spoile the kirk of Christ of the authoritie and jurisdictioun which
is granted thereto immediatlie of God himself, and not of man,
(Matt, xviii. 18; John xx. 21 ; Matt, x.) Eemember that feare-
full wrathe of God that fell on Saul and his posteritie, (1 Sam.
xiii. 10,) and the plague of leprosie that came upon Uzziah, for
usurping these functions wherunto they were not called of God ;
preassing to conjoyne the two functions in one person. Remember
that none ought to take themselves an honour or functioun, but
that wherunto they are called of God, as was Aaron. Otherwise,
if yec amend not, dolorous experience sail make you to lament,
where there sail be no hope of amends,"
AS TO THE 1' YFT lNTENTIf)N.
" Where they say it is his Majestie's intentioun to mainteanc
the exercise of prophecie, for the increasse and continuance of
knowledge amongst the ministrie, O, impudent mouths ! who will
beleeve you that looketh upon your doings, except l>e be mere
senselesse ? For, First, Yee have, by acts of counsell and publict
proclamations, discharged at the mercat croces all conventiouns
and assembleis amongst the ministrie, and apeciallie, by letters,
commanded the magictrats in everie place to stay, hinder, and
abolishe the same altogether, under all highest paine ; so fiatlie your
ordinance repugneth to the apostolicall institutioun. Secundlie, Yee
have banished, imprissouned, wracked, and dashed these of the mi-
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 285
nistrie who were esteemed best learned ; and yee have sett up in theu*
places ather dumb dogges that cannot barke, or hyrelings that will
not suppose they could ; or then, blotts, that are ashamed to reprove
others, being culpable themselves, and that in no weill reformed church
would be tolerated. Thridlie, Yee have everted and abolished the
college of Theologie, the onlyseminarie in the whole countrieof leai*n-
ing for pastors ; yee have banished the cheefe teachers and maisters
therof, and scattered the whole students : in this point, resembling
the fact of Julian the Apostat, who purposing to extinguishe whole
Christianisme, beganne at the discharging of schooles and colledges,
the seminareis of learning. Who now, considering these your doings,
will thinke that your intentioun is to mainteane learning in the
ministers ? Is darknesse so farre different from light, and falshood
from truthe, as your doings from your said intentioun ? O good
intentioners ! remember also, that of everie idle word that men sail
speeke they sail give an accompt at the day of judgement ; muche
more, you, of impudent lees. Feare, then : try and judge your
selves in rime, that yee be not judged and condemned with the le-
ing world, for it is a fearefull thing to fall in the hands of the
living God, (John viii. 44; Matt. xii. 36; 1 Cor. xi. 31 ; Heb. x.
31.")
AS TO THE SIXTH INTENTION.
" Wheras you say his Majestie's intentioun is, not to derogat to
the ordinarie judgement of maters of the church, by the ordinarie
bishops, their counsels and synods, but if anie of them doe amisse,
and abuse their calling, to tak order for correcting and punishing
them, I answere, this intentioun is altogether wicked, and contean-
eth within it three monstrouous errors. First, A manifest untruthe :
for by the acts of parliament, the ordinarie judgement of kirk ma-
ters, and forme therof, prescrived by God in his Word, is plainlie
everted and overthrowne, as sail be scene in the Eight intentioun.
Secundlie, An intolerable confusioun of the ecclesiastieall and civill
jurisdictioun, which God, by his owne mouth, hath separated in the
persoun of the prince, is allowed, wherof we have spokin in the
280 calderwood's iiistokie 1585.
Fourth Intentioun. And, thridlle, A spirituall tyrannic, damned
by the expresse Word of God, is renewed, to witt, the estat of
bishops, which, as it is heere sett doun, is nothing ellis but the or-
dinance of man, to colour the Papall confusioun with, whereby to
one man is givin power and jurisdictioun over the brethrein of the
ministrie to place and displace them at his pleasure, and to exerce
the discipline ecclesiasticall as he thinketh good. Therefore, as
couccrning bishops, that yee may know your errour, and not be
ignorantlie blind, yee sail find the name, office, and power of bi-
shops over pastors, to apperteane to none but onlie to Jesus Christ,
that great Bishop and Prince of pastors, who being God and man,
will have no vicar or vicegerent in the earth, as he needeth none,
(I Pet. ii. 25.) Nixt, That none hath presumed to take this stile,
office, and power, but the Antichrist, (1 Pet. v. 4.) And, more-
over, that none have sought to re-establishe that sacrilegious usurp-
atioun, or anie part therof, again in a weill reformed kirk, but they
that would animat and give life to the deid limmes of the Antichrist,
that by that meanes a doore may be opened, and a way prepared
to the Antichrist himself, so farre feebled in our countrie by
the breath of the Lord's mouth, and ruined by the sword of his
Word.
" As concerning the ordinarie office of a bishop, allowed and au-
thorized by the Word of God, yee sail find that it is all one with
a minister, pastor, or elder, that laboureth in the Word, Avithout
anie farther difference ather in office or power. Becaus, first. The
name of bishop, pastor, minister, and elder ; and elder, minister,
pastor, and bishop, are promiscuouslie and alike used by the Spirit
of the living God, in the writtin veritie, (Acts xx. 17, 18 ; 1 Tit.
i. 5, G, 7 ; 1 Pet, v. 12, 13, 14.) So that it is a plaine profana-
tioun of the Scriptures of God, and perverting of the simple speeche
and language of God's Spirit, to induce a tyrannic in the voice or
name Bishop, that signifieth one, and to tak it in diverse sense
from which God's Spirit hath used it unto. Nixt, Wheresoever the
properteis, qualiteis, office, and functioun, is described and spokin
off, throughout the whole Word, there, as the names are commoun
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 287
to the office-bearers, so are the whole properteis, qualitels, office,
and function. Thridlie, When ever mentioun is made of power
ecclesiasticall or spirituall jimsdictioun, there none, ather bishop,
pastor, minister, or elder, is preferred in one jote to another, wher-
by one may claime jurisdictioun, or the shadow of juriodictioun,
over the rest of his brethrein, (1 Tim. iii. 4, 5, 6 ; Tit. i. 6, 7.)
And, Ferdlie, To ding doun the inventioun of man, and this ty-
rannic spirituall, the Wisdom of God, Christ Jesus, hath left a
notable precept to be objected in the teeth of these presumptuous
prelats that, with Lucifer, presume above others : to Avitt, ' The
kings of the Gentiles raigne over them, and they that raigne over
them are called gratious lords. But yee sail not be so. But lett
the greatest amongst you be as the least, and the cheefest as him
that serveth,' (Luc. xxii. 25.)
" Since, then, this your estat of bishops not onlie hath no ground
in the Word of God, but also spoileth Christ of his honour, and is
expreslie damned by God's Wisdonie, men may easllie judge what
is the intentioun that hath re-established the same. And, more-
over, incace some of them, for this damnable estat w^ould alledge
that the name of bishop is ancient, and that it is spokin of by the
ancients, I answere shortlie. The name of bishop, in this sense, is
never taikin in the Word of God, and, therefore, nather antiquitie
nor opinioun of the ancients can prevaile against the writtin veri
tie ; for antiquitie without veritie is not veritie, but the ancientnesse
of errour. As for the aiieients themselves, they desire not to be heard
nor beleeved, when ever they waiver therefra. And yitt I will sett
doun certan of their sentences tuiching bishops, that the godlie reader
may also know their meaning in this point, and so their cloaked
intentioun may fullie evanishe. Irengeus sayeth, ' lis qui sunt in
ecclesia, preshyteris obedire opportet qui successionem habent ab apos-
tolis, qui cum episcopatus, successione charisma veritatls certum se-
cundum bene-placitum Patris acceperiud^ (Iren. lib. iv. cap. 44 :)
that is to say, We must obey these elders that are in the kii-k, and
have their successioun of the apostles ; as also have receaved with
the successioun of the bishoprick the sure gift of veritie, according
288 calderwood's historie 1585.
to the good Avill of the Father : where tliis ancient father calleth
the pastor both after one name, elder and bishop, and attour, ad-
mitteth none to be bishops but these that have their successioun
from the apostles, joyned with the veritie of the writtin Word.
Cypriane sayeth, ' Unus est episcopatus, cujus a siiKjulis in solidum
pars tenetur^ (Cyp. de Simplicit. Prelat. 14:) that is. There is but
one bishoprick, wherof everie severall bishop hath his solide part.
In which words all superioritie of anie one above the rest is ex-
cluded, that all may, according to the sentence of the apostle,
whether pastor, elder, bishop, or minister, under the cheefe Bishop
and Head, Christ Jesus, use their calling, for gathering together of the
sancts, for the worke of the ministrie, and for the edificatioun of the
bodie of Christ, (Eph. iv. 12.) Hierome sayeth, '■Idem est presby-
ter^ qui episcopus, et antequam diaholi histinctu studia in religione Jie~
rent, et diceretur in populis, ' Ego sum Paidi, Ego CephcBj communi
preshyteroruni consilio ecclesia guhernabantur^ (Hieron. in cap. i. ad
Tit. :) that is. The elder and bishop is both one ; and before that, by
the instinctioun of the devill, factiouns entered in the religioun, and
it was said among the people, ' I am Paul's, I am Apolloe's, I am
Peter's,' the kirks were governed by the commoun counsels of the
elders. And, again, " Audio quendam in tantam erupisse vecordiam,
ut diaconos presbyteris (episcopis) antefcrret, cum apostolus docet
eosdem esse presbyteros, quos episcopos^ (Hieron. in Epist. ad Evag. :)
that is to say, I heare some men to have burst out in so great foolish-
nesse, as to preferre deacons to elders, that is, bishops ; when as
the apostle plainlie teacheth bishops and elders to be all one.
Chrysostome sayeth, ' Inter episcopum et presbytcrum interest fere
nihil,'' (Horn. ii. in 1, ad Tit. :) that is to say, Betuixt a bishop and
an elder almost there is no difference. Ambrose sayeth, ' Episcopi
et presbyteri roia ordinatio est, uterque enim sacerdos est,' (Amb. de
Dignitate Sacerdotali :) that is. Both the elder and the bishop have
one ordination, and both are preests alike. Since then, this is the
truthe, both described in the Word, and meaned in the ancients, I
would the pretended bishops that are greedie of worldlle honours,
and, with Ijucifcr, would rise up against God, sould learne to yeeld
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 289
to the trutlie in time, and cast ofF that damnable office, which na-
ther with the warrant of the Word, nor yitt the testimonie of
a good conscience, they have tane on ; and if they have left anie
place to repentance, and have not their consciences burnt with an
bote yron, (1 Tim. iv. 3,) lett the sentences of Chrysostome move
them, which are — ^Qui non iititur sacra Scriptura, sed ascendit aliunde
non coiicessa via, hie non pastor est, sed fiir^ (\n Joan, Homil. 58 :)
that is, AVhosoever useth not the lawfull way sett out in holie
Scripture, to enter in an ecclesiasticall office, but ascendeth other-
wise, this man is no pastor, but a theefe. And, again, ' Quicunque
desiderat primatum in terra, inveniet in coslo confusionem^ (in Matt.
Homil. 37 :) that is. Whatever he be that desireth pre-eminencie in
the earth, he sail find confusioun in the heavens."
AS TO THE SEVENTH INTENTION.
" Where yee say his Majestie's intentioun is not to hinder or
stay a godlie order grounded on the Word of God and order of the
primitive kirk, but that the ministers of the Word medle themselves
with their owne calling, I answere, it is manifest untruthe. For
where as the whole order of ecclesiasticall discipline used in the
Kirk of Scotland was grounded in the writtin Word, and conformed
in all to the puritie of order used in the primitive kirk, the same
good work of twentie-five yeeres' building, in one houre was flatlie
overthrowne, without a good ground of Scripture, or yitt anie rea-
soning craved. And, moreover, when the ministrie understood this
temerarious intentioun, and had directed certane of their brethrein
to crave audience and reasoning in so weightie a mater, there were
of them some at that same instant most barbarouslie layed hands
upon, commanded to waird, and led to prissoun, wherin as yitt
they are keeped. On the other part, at that same time, that which
Athanasius speeketh of the Arrians was fulfilled in the persoun of
the bishops ; to witt, ' Cum ipsi essent rei ac judicio obnoxii, veluti
Caiaphas, judicandi muniis invaserunt^ (Orat. 1, ad Arrian :) that is.
When they themselves were guiltie and culpable of judgement, as
Caiaphas they invaded the office of judging."
VOL. IV. T
290 caldehavood'h ihstokij-: 1585.
AS TO THE EIGHT INTENTION.
" Where yee say it is his Majestie's intentioun that the presby-
tereis, consisting of manie ministers and gentlemen, be not farther
tolerated, but that the exercise of jurisdiction be in the hands of the
bishop or commissioner, I answere, This is an accursed intentioun,
proceeding of the verie instinct of Satan, most mightilie in his force
manifesting himself without cloakc or colour. For, heerin (pre-
termitting the re-establishing of that cursed estate of bishops spokin
of in the sixt intentioun) there are three things grounded on the
Word of God, and flowing off the pure fountans of God's eternall
wisdome, damned and abolished als farre as the power of man, being
but a worme animated with a borrowed spirit, can extend : First,
the name of the presbyterie ; Nixt,^the office-bearers in the presby-
terie ; and, Thridlie, their authoritie and jurisdictioun. Which pre-
sumptuous forme of dealing in a reformed kirk and covmtrie, sur-
passing the whole exemple of all ages, is like onlie to that of Coreh,
Dathan, and Abiron, Avho, therefore, were made publict spectacles
of God's vengeance to the world, the earth opening the mouth
therof, and swallowing them quickc, bodie and soule, to the hells.
Therefore, if yee will be Avise, and not fall in the hands of the liv-
ing God to perish, learnc, first, that the assemblcis of ministers and
gentlemen, called by you a popular confusioun, is named in the
Scriptures by Christ Jesus, the Church, and the Apostle Paul,
Presbyterie or Eldership, (Matt, xviii. 17 ; 1 Tim. iv. 14.) Learnc,
secundlie, that the office-bearers in this assemblie, and all these to
vvliom the name of Elder is givin in the Word of God, are two
ranks; one that laboureth cheefelie in the Word and doctrine, and
these are called pastors and doctors : another sort, that labour
cheefelie in the censuring of maners, and these are called both rulers
and governors ; to which office, gentlemen, and other qualified per-
sons that are not ministers, may be called. Learne, thridlie, that
this presbyterie, convecncd in the name and authoritie of the Lord
Jesus, hath a spirituall power proceeding immcdiatlie of God, and
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 291
nather of angel nor of man, to rule his kirk, to reasoun, deliberat,
and conclude in maters ecclesiasticall, and apperteaning to con-
science, whose conclusions, resolutions, and determinations, are of
suclie sort, that whatever they bind or loose on the earth, accord-
ing to the Word of God, is bound or loosed likewise in the heavens :
and whosoever contemneth the authoritie therof sould be esteemed
of the childrein of God as an ethnick or a publican. (1 Tim. iv.
17; Ephes. iv. 11; Rom. xii. 18; 1 Cor. xii. 20; John xx. 23
Matt, xviii. 17.")
AS TO TPIE NYNTH INTENTION.
"Where they say it is his Majestie's intentioun that bishops or
commissioners conveene not a Generall Assemblie without his Hie-
nesse' leave craved and obteaned, as he will, upon supplicatioun, not
deny, I answere, as bishops, and the prince his commissioners, have
no vocation in God's kirk, so have they no power to convocat an
assemblie. As for the prince's intentioun to call assembleis upon
supplicatioun, it is an hard mater to lippin^ thereto, when the do-
ings are so rei:)ugnant to tlie intentioun. For whereas, by the
authoritie of the three estats in parliament, the Generall Assem-
bleis of the Kirk of Scotland were allowed, and with notable suc-
cesse, to God's glorie and repressing of all hereseis and schismes
these twentie-five yeeres conveened, and their prince's commission-
ers were manie times present, and admitted continuallic to reason
and give their suffrages ; now, these laudable acts are rescinded, the
Assembleis are abolished, and nothing can be esteemed good but
that which proceedeth from man, and man's inventioun and insti-
tutioun."
AS TO THE TENTH INTENTION.
" Where they say it is his Majestie's intentioun to assist this
Assemblie himself, or by a nobleman of his counsell, his Hienesse'
' Trust.
292 CALDKRWO()l)"s FIIRTORIR 1585.
depute, I answere, the intentioun ought, before tlie promise of iis-
sistance, to see first that suche Assembleis be conveened as God's
wisdome prescriveth in his Word. Upon the which, when good
and godlie assistance foUoweth, we will have occasioun to say the
intentioun was good."
AS TO THE ELLEVENTH INTENTION.
" Where they say it is his Majestie's intentioun that the people
craving a fast to be appointed intimat it to the bishop, and at his
appointment it be, I answere, the Booke of God making mentioun
of two sorts of fasting — one privat, another publict — permitteth
everie one liberallie to use the privat, as Christ hath sett out the
forme, (Matt. vi. 1(3.) But as for publict fasting, becaus the
people for the most part, of nature, ather consider not the causes,
or considering, are not so bent to fasting, or being bent, are com-
mounlie infected with hypocrisie, therefore hath God appointed in
his Word pastors, as watchemen, to proclame it, and to exhort all
thereto, (Isa. xxii. 12 ; Tsa. v. 8 ; John iii. ; John ii. 12.) Which
thing if the watchemen did not, experience teacheth how few fast-
ings sould be craved of prince or people all their lyfe time. But,
indeid, this appeareth to be mervellous, that incace the people
would crave a fast, that they are sent to the bishop, the laAvfulI
pastors neglected. Which surelie is nothing unlike to the counsell
and intentioun of these, who being in mlnde to reforme a bordell,'
would crave the consent and concurrence of a vile and shamelesse
harlot, whose whole delight is sett on vanitie ; as all good men
know, who see our Scotish bishops' lifes, and maner of living."
AS TO THE TWELVETH INTENTIOUN.
" Where they say it is his Majestie's intentioun that a generall
fast throughout the whole realme sould not be without his Majes-
tie's commandement, or then the commandement of a generall
' Brothel.
1585. OK THE ICIRK OF SCOTLiUSfD. 293
councell conveened by his authoritie, I answere, Truelie vrorke
beareth witnesse that the true order of fasting is the exercise that
the court cheefelie mislyketh. Therefore, the intentioun is not un-
like unto the men. Attour, in the name of publict fasting, bypast,
who saw not when the Lord of Hosts by his ambassaders called to
weeping and mourning, that amongst them nothing appeared but
joy and gladenesse, eating and drinking ? Wherefore, lett them be
sure the time approacheth when their iniquitie sail not be purged
from them whill they dee, becaus their doings are declared in the
eares of the Lord of Hoasts."
AS TO THE THRITTEENTH INTENTION.
" Where they say it is his Hienesse' intentioun that the bishops
of the realme in everie diocie, with their counsell, preside in the
ecclesiasticall governement ; but, as said is, that confusioun and
tyrannic may be evited in the kirk, &c., I answere. This inten-
tioun is evill, becaus it first establisheth the tyrannic of bishops,
who, having no calling in the Word of God, can use no office nor
power in the kirk ; as is proved by the sixth intentioun. Nixt, be-
caus it confoundeth in the person of the prince the ecclesiasticall
and civill jurisdictioun, making the former estate of bishops a
cloake to cover it with, as we have said in the fourth intentioun.
Which two evite not, but authorize a tyrannicall confusioun in the
kirk of God."
AS TO THE FOURTEENTH INTENTION.
"Where they say it is his Majestie's intentioun that commis-
sioners be sent universallie throughout the realme, for establishing
of godlie order, and that his Majestie's commissioners take order
presentlie for translatioun of ministers where their tra veils may best
serve, I answere, First, There can be no godlie order there, where
the order appointed by God is not onlie neglected, but also abo-
lished, and the foolish wisdome of man preferred thereto. There-
294 CALDEinVOOD'S IIISTORIE 1585.
fore, all their travells (of what intentioiin so ever they faine them
to proceid) are abominable in God's sight. Nixt, concerning the
translatioun of ministers, surelie the device is not improper for the
devisers. If there be a good man left neere ather king or court,
to interrupt their pastyme or present course, lett him be translated
ather to the wildernesse with Eliaa, to follow his banished breth-
rein, or to the prison with Micheas, to feede on the bread of afflic-
tioun and water of teares, like as his fellow ministers in Blacknesse,
the Castell of Sanct Andrewes, or Spey Towre, or Perth ; or then,
lett him be sent to the landwart or hieland, to preache to the aire.
But truelie, in this point, I would wishe the afflicted brethrein
of the ministrie of Scotland, and others godlie and zealous men,
sould behold and reverence the mervellous wisdome cairing for His
owne ; that, banished Avith Lott, and marked with the mourning
faithfull in their foreheads, when the wrath of God is powred upon
the childrein of disobedience, they be not involved in their punish-
ment. And good men ought to flee from spirituall Sodom and
Babel, and from Bethel, that before was the Lord's hous, but now
is become Bethaven, that is, the hous of iniquitie and vanitie, seing
their sinne hath come up to heaven, and God hath rcmembred the
iniquitie. Therefore, lett all the godlie in Scotland crie, 'Arise, O
Lord, and let thy enemeis be confounded ; lett them flee farre from
thy presence that hate thy godlie name : lett the sighes and sobs
of thy owne childrein, banished, imprisouned, and distressed, enter
in before thee ! Lett not thy enemeis thus triumphe to the end,
but lett them understand it is against thee that they fight : lett
thy strenth and power be reveeled in the weaknesse of thy OAvne
deare servants ! Deliver thy owne distressed Church of Scotland ;
and make thy blessed vine, planted there with thy owne hand, en-
joy the libertie of thy everlasting truthe and Evangell, as it did be-
fore, through Jesus C^hrist thy Sonne ; to whom, Avith the Father
and Holie Ghost, be all praise for ever and ever.' "
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAIs^D. 295
ZELATOR, TEMPORTZAR, PALEMON.^
" Zelat07\^ I see you lieere, Temporizar. I am certane he is glade
of my greefe and trouble, for he hath oft times said, that my pre-
cisenesse would procure me trouble in some forme.
" Tempon'zar. Good morrow, Zelator: have yee once learned,
that I have beene Cassandra to you ? Take up your singularitie
and precisenesse now, and see what yee gaine by it.
" Zelat. I thanke God, though my estat be heavie and trouble-
some externallie, the world is not able to expresse the confort that
I have in the inward man. And I passe little by my owne estate ;
but, alas ! the estate of God's poore kirk, and his deere servants, —
to see them ly in miserie, as forsaken of all men ! For who is not
now ather affray ed or ashamed of Christ's cace, and the persecuted
estate of his deerest servants, and the meanes whereby his glorious
kingdome should be advanced? Alas ! I say yitt once again. Who
is not ather ashamed of them, or ellis live carelesse of them ?
" Temp. Sail there never be end of thy madnesse and follie ?
What hath thou to doe to passe for these maters ? Take compt of
thyne owne estate, to live in ease, Avealth, honour, and quietnesse.
Choppe on thy breest, and say with wise folke that have past be-
fore thee, and wise folke that yitt follow their footsteps, ' Heere is
my commoun wealth.'
" Zelat. O miserable age ! O miserable estat and conditioun of
man ! Time past hath tuiched, the present time tuicheth, and time
to come sail tuiche the miserable and unhappie conditioun of men,
whose portioun and felicitie is of this present world ; unhappilie
1 The " Answer to the Declaration of certain Intentiouns set out in the King's
name," &c , was the production of Andrew Melvil], and this dialogue which follows
was probably written by James, his nephe\^. — See M'Crie's I.iff of Melvill, Vol. i.
p. 319 ; Edin. 1813.
^ " One taketh the name of Zelator upon him, because Mr Patrick Adamsone, in
the forged testament which he would have given out under Mr James Lawsou's
name, imposeth this name upon the sincerest preachers ; for the nickname of Puritane
was not then known amor.g us." — Calderwood, Ful. Edit. p. 174.
290 calderwood's historie 1585.
borne for themselves onlle ; damned of the verle heathen, Avho say,
* The gods, our brethrein, and countrie, crave our aide,' in all their
adoes.
" Temp. I agree, that all these be partakers of my labour and
care, so farre furth as may stand for my owne advancement : but
I will not hazard my owne estat for anie of them. Charitas incipit
a semetipso. When I am wracked and gone, all the world is gone
to me.
" Zelat. Thinke yee not, there can be ease in a tossed estate,
riches in povertie, honoiu' in a base conditioun, quietnesse in afflic-
tion ?
" Temp. I thinke it be true. But for my part, I accept the first
estate ; take yee them sua. I am not a minister ; I am not, nor de-
sire not to be of your afflicted kirk : I would ay be of the glorious
and triumphant kirk.
" Zelat. Swyne the pork. Of the secund sail thou never be, that
is ashamed of the first.
" Temj>. Are yee not muche oblished to us, then, that sett a
number of you phreneticks eatin up with your zeale, the high way
(by suche exercises of crosses as yee taste of daylie) to the tri-
umphant kirk ?
" Zelat. Mocke not, for that is no mocking mater \ nather boast
of your crueltie, howbeit yee liave power. The teares of God's
afflicted are putt up in the bottells of his remembrance. Their
crie is come before Ilim, as an evening acceptable sacrifice : the
crie, 1 say, of dishonouring of God, and oppressing of his servants,
hath kindled his wrathe against you, and all that delite in that
wicked and abominable course. Yea, in the eyes of faith, I see
His wrathfull judgements upon you alrcadie.
" Temper. Yee know how yee and I have ahvayes been divided
in opiniouns tuiching the courses of the Avorld ; and how I have
ever misliked this singularitie of yours, and this obstinat precise-
nesse, and your medling in high maters. Could yee tedder your
self to your booke, and preache simplie the Word, and lett them
drowne in their owne dregs that would not yeeld obedience Avhen
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 297
yee had discharged your conscience ? What is it in your way,
what acts the estats and the king make ? What have yee to doe,
who approve, allow, or subscrive them ? Remember the old pro-
verb, ' He that will of all men be a correcter, sail winne of the
most part hate for his labour.' Yee see grave and aged souldiers
comport Avith the time, and lett a storme blow by.
" Zelat. It is not the first time yee have troubled me with this
baibling. Would God I had a thrid person to judge betuixt us;
for yee are so drowned in the stinking puddle of this corrupt
world, that the fleshe potts of Egypt are sweetter to you than the
graces and blessino-s of Mount Sion.
" Tempor. Yonder is Palemon : Avill yee accept him ?
" Zelat. I have not great acquaintance of him ; yitt I leane to
so solide grounds, that the devill himself is not able to impugne
the same.
" Palem. What is the mater, brother ?
" Tempor. There is heere a phrenetick foole, whom I would once
have to see his follie, and learne to live as other men ; and for
ought that I can say to him, he will not thrive.
" Zelat. I were muche oblished to you, if yee were als carefull
of my soule as yee pretend to be of my stinking flesh.
" Palem. Contend not of words. But since ye have accepted me
as judge, lett see what yee debate upon.
" Tempor. This man is a subject, and hath layed before him an
honest and peaceable conditioun of living with his owne wife,
barnes, and familie, for yeelding obedience to the king's Majestie's
acts and lawcs, allowing and subscriving of the same ; whereas
the refusall (which he pertinaciouslie standeth upon) endangereth
him ather of death, incarceratioun, proscriptioun, or losse of all his
geare. Thinke yee him not a mad foole, that would expone him-
self to anie of these inconveniences, wheras he may so easilie re-
deeme quietnesse to himself? What say yee, Palemon ?
^^ Palem. I were a rash judge to give so suddane sentence: I
Avill heare your brother.
" Zelat. Where the questiomi standeth betuixt the felicitie of
298 calderwood's historie 1585.
this world, and the peace of a man's conscience, how miserable is
his estat that will not preferre the peace of his conscience to the
whole impire of the world ! For what hath a man gained, that
with shipwracke of his conscience and losse of his soule hath con-
quered the impyre of the world ?
" Tempor. Will yee see the vanitie of this foole, ever prattling
of conscience ! Sayeth not the Scripture, ' Obey kings and rulers,
even for conscience sake ?'
" Zelat. I know the place, and meaning of the Apostle, that it is
against conscience to disobey magistrats, although they have no
power over men's consciences : for, otherwise, if their obedience were
not restrained to things lawfull, Peter had not said, ' It is better
to obey God than man.' And innumerable exemples in the Scrip-
ture have taught us, that God's servants, tyrannouslie entreatted
of princes, have gladelie chosin and accepted whatever might fall
on their mortall bodeis, before they wounded their conscience,
placing man's command before God's. Choosed not Moses the
ignominious estate of God's childrein of Israel, rather than to be
compted Pharaoe's oy,' and enjoy the felicitie and pleasure of his
corrupt court, to the hurt of his conscience ? (Heb. xi.) Choosed
not Joseph to ly in a stinking prissoun, rather than defile his bodie
(the temple of God) with his maister's wife ? Choosed not Daniel,
with his brethrein, rather to be exponcd to the consuming fire,
than obey the command of Nebuchadnczar in worshiping an image ;
and, therafter, to be exponed to the bloodie mouths of greedie
lyouns, than make a God of Darius, in giving that part of God's
honour to him, Avliich consisted in invocatioun of his name ? What
torment susteancd the childrein of Israel, for disobeying magistrats
and rulers in eating swine's flesh, eating of flesh oflfered to idols,
not making bankets to Bacchus, and other idols, (Macab. vi. and
vii.,) leaving that notable exemple of doctrine to us, of constant
abiding and sticking to God in peaceablenesse of conscience, with
whatsoever temporall inconvenient it could bring.
" Tempor. These were heathen princes.
' Grandson.
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 299
" Zelat. To wliom, notwithstanding, men Avere als straitlie ob-
blished in obedience, as now, to Christian princes commanding
things lawful! ; for God hath but one rule, and one command for
both.
" Palem. I trow, T understand both your meanings in this head.
You, Temporizar, would say, for eshewing the indignatioun of the
prince, and inconveniences temporall which may fall upon your
brother, that he sould follow that course of allowing and subscriv-
ing the late acts of Parliament, wliich Zelator thinketh he cannot
doe with safe conscience, preferring yitt conscience to all the
world.
" Tempor. lea, even for conscience' soke, I thinke he sould doe
it, beside the other reasons of his owne comnioditie and quietnesse.
" Palem. If he hath good reason, and be able to susteane, that
without hurt of conscience he can not doe it, I thinke he hath botli
good, honest, and lawfull ground of refusal). For who darre open
his mouth, and speeke so vile a blasphemie, as say, God's obedience
in peace of conscience sould not goe before the obedience of all the
monarchs of the world ?
" Zelat. If I prove not that some of these acts, as they stand,
directlie repugne to God's eternall truthe, I accept what paine so
ever yee thinke I have merited, for my contumacious obstinacie.
^^Tem-por. What! darre yee speeke that? darre yee so muche
as thinke it ? Know yee not what paine is imposed against suche ?
" Zelat. No, no ; I am past that point : terrific them that are
afFrayed of your worldlie minassings. I have concluded, what ever
may fall upon my mortall bodie, that God's cans will I not betray.
That curse of God's displeasure and judgements that lyeth upon
them that call evill good, and good evill, sail not ly upon my shoul-
ders. Woe, woe, that fearefull and terrible woe, threatned by the
Spirit of God against these who doe God's worke negligentlie ;
how muche more on these that doe it sianderouslie, or seeminof to
doe it, destroy it !
" Palem. I will reduce you to your ground, that in conscience
yee cannot subscrive the acts, for that they directlie (some of
300 CALDEllWOOiys IIISTOIIIE 1585.
them) repugne to the expresso AYord of God. Prove that, and
yee, Temporizar, sail have place to mecte or reply to anie thing
that he proponeth, doing the same modestlie.
" Tempor. The best lawyers in Scotland approve these acts ;
have scene and approve them, and yitt yee darre oppone you in
your singular opinioun against them. Yee may see if there be not
a great pride in his heart.
" Zelat. I passe not Avhat lawyers affirme. There is no lawyer
that hath not made shipwracke of conscience, that will affirme it.
And if yee esteeme my heart proud, for constant mainteaning so
honest a caus, wherin God's glorie may be interessed, I will con-
fesse I have als proud a heart as he that is a foote higher.
" Palem. Truelie, Temporizar, yee be in the wrong. We tyne
time. I command you silence, till I give you place. Prosecute
your reasons against the acts.
" Zelat. The Secund act permitteth to the king and counsell
judgement of all causes ecclesiasticall ; an act, as it standeth, als
sacreligious as the fact of Uzziah offering incense, or the fact of
TJzzah putting his hand unto the arke of God, which was not lea-
some to him to tuiche, (2 Chron. xvi. ; 2 Sam. vi.) For the two
vocatiouns of civill and ecclesiasticall powers are vocatiouns dis-
tinguished of God, that neither of the office-bearers may, without
sacriledge, use other's offices.
" Tempor. What ! is not the king judge to all his subjects ? It
is treason to affirme it.
" Zelat. I grant ; and yitt, not directlie, to all the causes of all
his subjects : for even in temporall things, the king and counsell
will be declynned in manic causes of judgement. But with suche
I meddle not. It was never read that anie temporall king tooke
upon him and his counsell the judgement of the doctrine of the
Word, nor decisioun of controverseis that rose upon teaching or
exponing of the Word. It sail never, I say, be proved by warrant
of the Word of God, practise, consuetude, or exemple, but onlie
to have beene decided by the doctors, elders, pastors, and office-
bearers of the kirk allanerlie. Attour, yee cannot denie unto me,
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. .301
but God hath givin power, jurisdictioun, and authoritle to his kh'k,
to abate proud contemptuous rebells to his Majestic Avith the cen-
sures of excommunicatioun, which the devill himself can not denie :
must there not, of necessitie, proceed the pronunciatioun of that
fearefull sentence, citatioun, probatioun, admonitioun ? Can the
king and counsell without sacriledge take tliis judgement upon
them ? Hath not Christ said, I will give the keyes of binding
and loosing to Peter, in name of all ecclesiasticall pastors ; and not
temporall kings nor their counsells ? Reconcile this with your act ;
and cans them both stand.
" Tempor. Then, I perceave, we must have moe kings in the
realme than one.
" ZelaL It followeth verie evill; for diverse formes of judge-
ments, after the diversitie of the causes, may be all under one king,
and his royall power never the more impaired. Christ is Head,
King, Maister and Ruler of his kirk, of whose fulnesse all liis mem-
bers participat ; and hath committed the rule and governement of
the same to the office-bearers within it, as pastors, doctors, and
elders. In which government the king is not exeemed, but hath
his place and power to see and overwatche all these, that they dis-
charge their calling, as they have severallie in charge, in suche sort
that it is not leasome to him to doe anie part of their offices.
" Tempor. Yee know that the ground of that act was tlie pride
of Mr AndrcAV Melvill, Avho declynned the king and counsell as
competent judges to him, in an accusatioini Jayed against him of a
preaching he preached in Sanct Andrewes ; and the king's Majestic
hath declared his minde tuiching that act, in his Hienesse' decla-
ratiouu.
" Zelat. The ground of that act, I trow, in verie deed was that
declinatour. What necessitie was there to make an act so farre
out of reasoun, upon so light occasioun ?
" Temjwr. Esteeme yee that light to a subject to declyne his
prince's judgement ?
" Zelat. Is that a new thing ? Falleth not that furth almost
everie day before the Secreit Counsell ? Declynned not Mr Johne
302 calderwood's iiistokie 1585.
Cramond, Avitlun twcntie dayes after Mr Andrewe's dyct, the king
and counsell as judges competent for cxhibitioun of the heretrix
of Badravlll, and he was never querrclled as a declynner of the
king's Majestie's authoritie ? That is a forme commoun enough
before anie judges.
" Palem. Mr Andrewe's mater is beside your purpose. G oe to
the acts and the declaratioun.
" Zelat. Lett us debate the mater concerning the acts, as they
stand simplie ; and if yee can bring anie supplee for your reasons
out of tlie declaratioun, use it : yee sail have place. Who ever
diminisheth of the Booke of this prophecie, God sail take aAvay his
light out of the booke of life. But the fourth act impaireth of
the Word, and taketh away of the libertie granted unto Christians
in this Booke.
" Tempor. I denie that.
" Zelat. Youi" acts take away the conveening of the brethrcin to
the doctrine of the exercise commanded in the fourteenth of the
First to the Corinthians, and also, tak away conveening of the kii'k
constituted of ministers, elders, and deacouns, for ordering of the ])0-
licie of the kirk, wherof they have the governemcnt, for repressing
of vices, visiting and conforting of the sicke, providing for the poore.
" Tempor. These things are not of necessitie when men have liber-
tie to preache the Word. What suppose these things stay till or-
der be tanc for them ?
" Zelat. If the preaching of the Word, ministratioun of the sacra-
ments, be, of necessitie, the policie of the ku'k is of als great neces-
sitie ; commanded of the same Author, witli the like threatning of
judgements upon the negligent doers of their office, to whom the
policie is concredited. To Avhat end are suche things commanded ?
Why is there anie suche calling ? Why are hands layed on them ?
Why are God's judgements threatned against the negligent dis-
chargers of these offices, if they be not of necessitie ?
" Tempor. These conventiouns, when I remember my self right,
are not discharged simpliciter, ])ut not to be used but his Majestie's
licence.
1585. OF THE KIKK 0¥ SCOTLAND. 303
" Zelat. A fyne shift ! If yee permitt it leasome by a law to his
Majestie, that is a Christian prince, to restraine and abandoun the
libertic that God hath givin Christians, yea, not onlie givin, but
straithe commanded to be exercised. If there rise a king not
satled in religioun, he sail say, ' It is als leasome to me to discharge
simpliciter, as to my predecessors to restraine and abandoun it :' at
least having the power in his hand to permitt the libertie, sail
never grant them libertie of these exercises. Now, say in your
owne conscience what an unhappie colour that granting of licence
is for that law. What mouth without blasphemie darre speeke,
notwithstanding that God hath commanded thee this and this, so
and so to doe, yitt to say thou sail not doe it without speciall
licence ? Darre stinking flesh take upon it to controll God's com-
mand ? See we not what presumptioun it is this day esteemed to
controll the command of an earthlie king ?
" Tcmpor. I grant the dispositive words of both these acts beare
the meaning yee speeke of. But the king's Majestic said plainlie
to all the ministers that his meaning was never to hurt the kirk ;
and the Bishop of Sanct Andrcwes, in his name and the counsell's,
affirmed tliat tlie meaning of the estats was not to tuiche or im-
paire the libertie of particular sessiouns, or conventioun to the
exercise in making of their act. Sent not his Grace, immediatlie
after the making of that act, a letter under his hand-writt and
some of the counsell, subscrived with Johne Andrew, and signetted
with the signet of Secreit Counsell, to the toun of Edinburgh, dis-
j)ensing with that act ; that, notwithstanding the act, his Grace per-
mitted to them both the libertie of the exercise of the Word, and
conveening the sessioun of the kirk for correctioun of maners ; dis-
charging all his judges for conveening of them, for practising of the
said exercises ?
" Zelat He sould be of good memorie [that] sould mak a leesing.
Yee said, even now, that the meaning of the king and estats was not
to empaire the libertie of these two exercises ; and now yee grant
a speciall dispensatioun sent for using of them, notwithstanding of
the act ; for dispensatioun of an act confirmeth it. And so, yee
304 CALDi:u\voou's iiisroRii': 1585.
snare your self by your owne words. Now, once yeekl to the
truthe, and say with your owne conscience how I may allow or
subscrive suche acts ?
" Tempor. I wote not what curiositle and nycenesse is this in these
maters, and mistrust yec have of his Grace, who, God be praised,
professeth himself a member of the kirk, and maintenar of the Gos-
pell with you. And would yee but simplie yeeld obedience to his
lawes, he would preasse you no further; for his lawcs need no
allowance or confirmatioun of a subject.
" Zelat. Remember you, Temporizar, for all the trouble is for not
allowing and specking against these lawes. Was not the first pro-
positioun his Grace propouned to the ministers conveened before
his Grace and counsell, that they spake against his lawes, which he
would not heerafter suffer unpunished ; and if anie had scruple
tuiching them, there to speeke it, and not to meddle in specking
against them therafter? Wherupon followed the urging of men
to subscrive them, wherin, questionlesse, was also meaned the ap-
proving of them. But be it that men were preassed with no more
but simple obedience, in what conscience can men oblishe them-
selves to them that yee have now heard proved so manifestlie to
repugne to the eternall truthe of God ?
" Palem. Temporizar spake some thing that belike yee have not
tuiched concerning the good minde the king beareth to the kirk r
for subjects sould alwise have a good opinioun of their prince, that
is a professour of the Word with them. Ilowbeit that the words
of the act be somwhat straitllc sett doun, that might be amended
in the nixt parliament, and mitigated to your contentment. There
sould not be suspicious dealing betuixt a prince and his subjects of
one religioun, as where there is an heathen prince. The word of a
prince sould be a sattled stay for a subject to rest upon, and not
seeke, as the proverb is, a kuott in a rash, speciallie with the
prince.
" Tempor. Weill said, Palemon, yee have helped me : I thank you
for it.
" Zdat. Truelie, Palemon, I take it in good part all that yee have
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 305
said, howbeit it be somwhat more than the part of a judge ; and I
affirme all that yee have said. Yitt, to make this particular cleere,
and to satisfie your generall, will require some longer discourse,
which if yee list patientlie to heare, I sail absolve in as few words
as I can. God of his infinite mercie hath planted a kirk in Scot-
land. The prince hath confirmed the same by a publict law. The
fame of that kirk, and the honour of the king and countrie for the
uniformitie and puritie of professioun, hath gone through all the
parts of Europ. These notable Confessiouns of Faith, the first
exhibited in parliament in the governement of that notable servant
of God, of good memorie, the Erie of Murrey ; the other by his
Hienesse himself, confirming not onlie the doctrine but the forme
of ecclesiasticall policie receaved and exercised in the kirk, which
both, for their worthinesse, to the great honour and perpetual
praise of his Hienesse, are translated in all languages, are gone
abroad in all countreis. Sail these grave, wise, and learned men,
be so unstable as to be left and caried with everie wind of doctrine ;
and approve this new discipline, directlie repugnant not onlie to the
former, receaved, allowed, and sworne to, but to the eternall truthe of
God's Word ? For, howbeit his Majestic, by reasoun of his youth,
and not sattled knowledge in maters of divinitie, and a number of
the Lords of the Estate, whose knowledge also is inferiour to his
Hienesse' owne in divinitie, have suffered themselves to be abused
with the authoritie of the learning of tliat profane Epicurean apos-
tat, Sanct Andrewes, to alter and change the former forme of dis-
cipline, to the great dishonour of God, impairing of his Hienesse'
fame, shame of the whole countrie and professors of the religioun ;
yitt we are perswaded that by time, his Hienesse and estats, examin-
ing the mater more narrowlie, sail reduce things to their owne in-
tegritie, and confesse there hath beene rash dealing, in lesse than
twentie-foure houres, to cast doun twentie-foure yeeres' bigging.
Thinke not, therefore, it is anie mistrust we have of his Majestic.
It is simplie for the maintenance of the truthe, wounding of our
owne conscience, giving slander to our brethrein professors of the
same religioun, and mater of rejoicing to the enemeis of the truthe,
VOL. IV. U
306 caldeuwood's historie 1585.
that sail object so lurd' ignorance and inconstancie, and prepare an
entreis to themselves, to erect again grounds of Papistrie. God
knoweth our heart. And for anie evill disposltioun that is in my
heart against his Hienesse, in all this course, I pray God his Majes-
tic saw it als truelie as I my self. And whereas men judge there
can no man have good opinioun of the king's Grace, except he
yeeld, allow, and approve all that he doeth, I looke to see that day
that his Hienesse sail like better of one of them that this day re-
maine constant, than of all these that ather flattering for their
belleis, or forced for temporall inconveniences, abuse his Grace,
perswading him all things to be leasome for his Hienesse that they
ding in his eares. The truthe in end sail be strongest ; and manie
things this day putt furth under the king's name, and his Hienesse'
obedience, that time will trie, to tend more to the particulariteis of
siiclie as be in credit, nor ather to the king's weale or honour; and
I pray God, if his Grace heard and understood the sobbing voices
of his subjects that this day mourne for his Hienesse' OAvne estat,
the poore kirk's, and of us his poore subjects. Now, Temporizar,
reply as yee can.
" Tempor. I have somwhat yitt, but I keepe it to another time.
Have yee anie other thing that greeveth you in the acts ?
" Zelat. What say yee to the act of annulling Montgomrie's ex-
communicatioun ? How is the judgment of excommunicatioun,
absolving from it reductarie, or annulling of it, come in their
hands ? And God knoweth also by what forme it is done ; a thing
that could not stand with law of annulling a decreit given in a
baron's court, of fortie shilling, except all having interesse had
beene summouned to that effect.
" Tempor. Truelie, 1 can not weill answere to that ; for I see our
great rabbi, our Metropolitan, hath past over that dry-shod, as an
act he could not susteane. And yitt it wanteth not the owne rea-
soun ; for the Assemblie that excommunicated him was discharged
to do it, and had promised not to doe it, as is alledged.
" Zelat. If the Assemblie had beene cited to have answered for it,
' Infamous.
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 307
I know they had cleered themselves honestlie eneugh in that
mater. Reserve another eare for the Assemblie. Now, Maister
Temporizar, these are your acts, which, though they agree with
God's truthe as light with darknesse, we must allow, obey, and
subscrive ; and for not doing must be compted factious, seditious
knaves, disturbers of the quietnesse of the realme, rebels against
the king, with I wait* not what infinite other number of slanderous
reproaches. God be praised, that conipteth us worthie to suffer
suche reproaches with our Maister and Head, Christ, of whom in
his time they spake, ' Say we not weill that thoAV hath a devill ?'
Wisdome is justified of her owne childrein.
" Tempor. I say yitt once again, there is nather allowing nor
approving of these lawes sought of you, but simple obedience.
What necessitie have his Hienesse' lawes of a subject's approving ?
The like was never read.
" Zclat. Yee have your answere alreadie before. And what
necessitie is there to subjects to oblishe themselves in obedience to
commoun lawes ? Was ever the like of that heard ? Have not
men their geir, lands, and bodeis, to be punished, incace they con-
traveene or transgresse lawes ? And yitt yee cannot denie but in
these verie self acts there is a straite interdictioun, under no little
paine, that none impugne or speeke against these acts.
" Tempor. It is in that point that I would have you wise to
eshew that danger ; for, perhaps, yee mister never to have occa-
sioun of obeying or specking of them.
" Zelat. Specking I have daylie, except I would betray God's
cans, which, with assistance of his Spirit, I intend not to doe.
" Tempor. May not a king make an unlawfull law that none ma)f
lawfuUie disobey ?
" Zelat. Leave that shift. I would not medic with that genera-
litie of lawfulnesse of lawes, and obedience to lawes sometimes sett
doun unlawfullie, which I will grant certanlie to be true, becaus
experience teacheth the same daylie. But heere is the questioun
of this subject of unlawfull lawes that may not lawfuUle be obeyed,
» Wot.
308 calderwood's historie 1585.
which I sail make more sensible to you by exemple, for your bet-
ter understanding. The kirk, in M'hose hands is the power of ex-
communicatioun, hath pronounced that sorrowfull sentence of ex-
communicatioun against Mr R. INIontgomrie, hath delivered him to
Satan, and hath, by authoritie of the Word of God givin to them,
inhibited all the faithfull to have to doe Avith him, but compt him
as an heathen or publican. The parliament and this law giveth a
direct contrare decreit ; declared this sentence null, and, therefore,
by annulling the excommunicatioun, he is in his former estat, as if
he had never beene excommunicated. Now, judge this contraposi-
tioun. Christ, by the mouth of his kirk, sayeth, ' Lett him be to
thee as an heathen and publican.' The act of parliament annul-
ling the sentence, sayeth in consequence, ' Let him be to thee as
a faithfull and Christian brother.' Now, whether Christ, specking
by the mouth of his kirk, or a pretended law, sett doun by manie
unlawfullie, usurping the kirk's authoritie, sould be obeyed ?
" Palem. He hath riddin neere you now.
" Tempor. I say not muche to the act. But when will it tuiche
you in obedience ? When Avill yee have adoe with Montgomrie ?
" Zelat. My brethrein and yoke-fellowes will daylie ; and I am
not certane how soone I will have adoe with him my self.
" Tempor. Becaus the king's Majestic hath found I wot not what
nycenesse and opiniacie, in his urging of men to subscrive the acts,
he hath, for the better contentment of all men, and more fuU un-
derstanding of the acts, and his Hienesse' intentioun tuiching them
in maters ecclesiasticall, sett furth his Hienesse' declaratioun in
print, to make all men, and speciallie suche querrelsome and bussie
heads as you, inexcusable. And if yee be not satisfied in that, be-
like the world can not satisfie you.
" Zelat. I thinke you be putt to silence, for ought yee can say
tuiching my refusall to subscrive the acts.
" Palem. Truelie, I never understood the diflficulteis in them be-
fore ; and I thought ever they had been maters adiaphore, and in-
different before.
" Tempor. If he continue in his obstinacie, it had beene good he
1585. OF THE KlUK OF SCOTLAND. 309
had never understand them, but had alwise tane them so. Over
holie dow not in this age.
" Zelat. ' The fleshlie man,' sayeth Paul, ' savoureth not the things
of the Spirit.'
" Tempor. But your Paulling will cans you gett on the wombe
with a toome dish.
" Zelat. God feedeth the crowes. The earth is the Lord's, and
the plenitude therof.
" Tempor. Dyne yee then with the crowes, and see whether yee
or I make best cheere.
" Palem. Zelator, go to your ground : wisselling^ of words is to
no purpose. Are not all the difficulteis and impediments of your
not subscriving the acts satisfied in the king's Majestie's declara-
tioun ?
" Zelat. Lett be to be satisfied, they be much more confirmed.
" Tempor. I told you the pride of his heart, and contentiousnesse
of his spirit, and curiositie of his braine, can never be satisfied. It
were almous to punishe you in example of all others.
" Zelat. Dreme wairlie, least your doome come to your owne
doore. If we tosse that declaratioun the contents and warrants of
it, I thinke yee sail find your self als farre disappointed as tuiching
the acts. Alas ! that ever I sould heare his Hienesse' name defiled
with suche a declaratioun, conteaning so haynous slanders against
the Kirk of Scotland, the plantatioun wherof, I am assured, as also
the conservatioun and directioun of her doings, hath beene of God.
And that blasphemous villane. Metropolitan among the apostats of
Scotland, the penner and exposer of it in his Hienesse' name, when
his Majestic sail examine it narrowlie, and rype^ out his aspyring
intentioun in it, sail adjudge him to the gibbet for his recompence,
and make publication to all his subjects that his Hienesse hath
beene abused in the furth-setting of it. And I hope in God to
see it.
" Tempor. I am content yee take up the mater so ; for truelie if
there be anie thing sett doun in it slandcrouslie of the kirk, I darrc
' Intei'changing, bandying. ' Search, rummage.
310 calderwood's historie 1585.
say that Holliglasse had the wyte of it ; for the penning of it, in
veiic deed, was committed to him. And I praise yom' modestic,
in that yee speeke so reverentlie, and judge so discreitlie of tlie
king's Majestie.
" Zelat, I doe it not without cans ; for as I remember, in the
1582yeere of God, there was a verie slanderous proclamatioun sett
furth against the kirk and ministrie, in the king's name, by moyen
of some which were in credit with his Grace, which his Hienesse
tooke verie displeasantlie Avhen he understood of it, and considered
it. And I doubt not now of the like in the greatest slander that
ever the Kirk of Scotland gott.
" Tempor. Howbeit there be, in some places of that declaration,
some hard words against the courses of the kirk, the scope and in-
tentioun of it tendeth to a necessar and lawfull end.
'■'■ Palem. Alas ! if we had the declaratioun it self; for then we
mistered not to varie about the words, incace of controversie.
" Zelat. I have evin now gottin it, and skarslie read it over
digestlie.
" Palem. Weill, my maisters, I sail read, and you, Temporizar,
when yee find suche a point as serveth the confirmatioun of your
intentioun, speeke, and lett Zelator ansM^ere. And you, Zelator,
Avhen yee find anie thing that ministreth unto you mater of speeche,
for confirmatioun of your purpose, take you place ; and so in short
time we will oversee the Avhole.
*' Zelat. Agreed, for your ground pleaseth me weill.
" Tempor. And me also : read on.
'■^ Zelat. Lo€, even in the first three or foure lynes, which pre-
tendeth to be the ground of the whole declaratioun, a manifest lee ;
for who of his Hienesse' subjects ever aflfirmed his Grace to have
declynned to Papistrie ? It is true that the best and learnedcst
sort affirme that his Grace and estats, some thing inconsideratlic,
have sett doun lawes whereby, in verie deed, the libertie of the
Gospell and good order of the discipline of the kirk is impaired, as
I have plainlie eneugh proved, even to the convictloun of you in
your o\N ne conscience. And if that anie evill-disposed have taikin
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 311
occasloun heerupon, to cloke their unlawfull attemptats, yee know
it is scandalum accejjtum, et non datum ; for if there hath beeiie anie
fault in the rainistrie, I darre take upon me, it hath beene declyn-
ing in that part, in not saying all that God craved they sould have
said against these lawes. The Lord lay it not to their charge, and
give them resipiscence in time.
" Tejnpor. Read on, Palemon : this is but petere prmcipium. If
Ave tarie als long on cache so manie words, it will be long ere we
absolve.
" Palem. It that is Aveill done, is done soone eneugh.
" Zelat. Hold there, tuiching the secund article ; and see how fyne-
lie my Lord Archknave playeth the sophist. Mr Andrew Melvill
declynned the king and counsell as competent judges to him in ma-
ters of doctrine preached in pulpit ; ergo, Mr Andrew declynned
the king's authoritie. Who ever impugned his Hienesse' authori-
tie over all estats of his subjects ? There is a great difference be-
tuixt his Grace his being judge to all estats of his subjects, and to
all formes of causes of his subjects, as I have said before. And
Mr Walter Balcalquall, cited before the counsell upon the like oc-
casioun, in the governement of the umquhile Erie of Morton, pro-
pouned the same declinatour ; wherupon he was admitted, and no
farther proceeded in that mater. And yitt this was never imputed
to him that he declynned the king's authoritie. My Lord affirmed,
that his Hienesse is cheefe and principall member, appointed by
the law of God (I use his owne words) to see God glorifeid,
vice punished, and vertue mainteaned v*'ithin this realmc ; and
the soverane judgement, for a godlie quietnesse and order in
the commoun wealth, to perteane to his Hienesse' care and
solicitude ; which we also affirme. And, farther, if his Majestic be
negligent in this, God will crave it at his hand, and punishe him
for it.
" Palem. I take not this mater : yee give the king a great
place and power, and yitt yee spoile him of it soone againe :
yee grant him a soverane judgement, and yitt yee exeeme the mi-
nistrie.
312 calderwood's historie 1585.
" Tempor. Yee may see now how lie playcth the sophist.
*' Zelat. I exeeme not the persons, but the forme of judgement.
And yitt, taking the mater rightlic, it may rightlie be called, and
is, the king's judgement. For the king is not judge in his ownc
person, nor by his Sccreit Counsell, to all the causes of his subjects,
as manifest experience teach eth day lie. But his Grace hath his
ShirefFs, Constables, Justicers of Blood, Lords of the Sessioun,
who have sindrie forms of judgement, after the diversitie of the
causes ; replegiatiouns of regaliteis, proveists and bailiffes in burgh,
and commissars. Which all have their owne forme of judgement
tuiching these causes that fall under their judgement, and will de-
clyne and replege to them, anie that other judges attempted to
cognosce, in maters committed to them. What ellis is all this
but the king's judgement? And becaus I perceave that your
scruple hangeth on the forme of judgement, I sail make it als sen-
sible as I can, after the simplicitie of my ingyne. The governe-
ments civill and ecclesiasticall are distinct, and. severallie distin-
guished by God, and without sacriledge cannot be confounded,
(that is, cannot both be exercised in one persoun :) they both have
their owne severall subject ; to witt, the civill, the bodie externall,
and things pertaining to it ; the ecclesiasticall, the soule, and things
pertaining to the same, as maters depending upon the law of God
and faith. For since ever there hath beene an externall forme of both
these governements, manifest practise in all ages hath taught their dis-
tinctioun, and God's fearefull judgements upon them that have ex-
ceeded the limitatioun of their owne bounds appointed by God. What
was the separatioun of the tribe of Levi frome the remanent, but
to exercise the ecclesiasticall govemement, and leave the civill
to the remanent tribes ? Therefore, say I, this soverane goveme-
ment of Scotland committed to his Majestic, in maters that fall
under the temporall and civill power, can no man usurpe nor
spoile him of; nor yitt, without sacriledge, spoile the ecclesiasticall
poAver of things that fall under their censure or governement :
for as they be severall powers or governements, occupied about
severall ends forsaids, so have they severall punishements ; to
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 313
witt, the ecclesiastical], excommunicatioun ; the civill, lands, life,
geare, incarceratioun, banishement, and suche other as fall upon the
bodie.
'' Palem. Yee meane, that this soverane governement is meant
of maters that fall under tlie civill power.
" Zelat. It were a madnesse to affirme that he had a soverane
governement in maters ecclesiasticall, who is not an ecclesiasticall
person himself. For, albeit he be a member in the kirk yitt he
beareth not a functioun in the kirk, to use or exercise anie ecclesi-
asticall functioun. It is another thing to be a member in the kirk,
another thing to beare a charge and calling in the kirk, that may
exercise an ecclesiasticall jurisdictioun.
" Palem. Meane yee that anie one particular man bearing func-
tioun in the kirk may exercise this ecclesiasticall power or juris-
dictioun ?
" Zelat. I meane nothing lesse ; for our Maister, by the mouth
of his apostles, sayeth not, ' Goe, tell the pastor, elder, or doctor ;'
but ' Goe, tell the kirk,' which is alwayes constituted of more nor
one : — an infallible argument against the establishing of the pov/er
of the kirk and ecclesiasticall discipline in the person of pope, king,
bishop, archbishop, or metropolitan.
" Palem. In all this discourse I perceave not that yee give the
king anie power over office-bearers in the kirk, or ecclesiasticall
maters ; but as in Papistrie, if he was one of the rable of the Pope's
shavelings, shake his tippet on the king.
" Zelat. Yee take it not. Will yee not grant to me the per-
sons of the office-bearers to be distinct ?
" Palem. Truelie, I think, neither of the persons may exerce
others' offices.
" Zelat. Then, of necessitie, these severall persons called to dis-
tinct offices, occupied about sindrie ends, must have sindrie powers,
that may no more be confounded without sacriledge.
" Palem. How then sail the king (to wdiom yee grant it lyeth
straitlie in hand to see God glorified, and all these office-bearers in
the kirk to doe their dueties, and punishe them for their misbeha-
viour) putt this in execution ?
314 calderavood's iiistorie 1585.
" Zelat. Yce come now to another ground of the forme, which the
king 80uld use in discharging of this part of his caUing ; and I say
never rightlier than keeping the forme and rules that God liath
sett doun unto him, and taking exemple of his owne civill lawes
and constitutions.
" Palem. I pray you lett me understand that, and, I think, my
greatest difficulteis are satisfeid.
" Zelat. Hath the pastor, elder, or doctor, of the kirk shed blood,
stoUin, committed incest, or anie suche crime that of the law me-
riteth punishment, the king, by his advocat, conveeneth before his
Hienesse' justice, where he is ather (without difference betuixt him
and another subject) convicted or absolved. Is he indebted to the
king in summes of money ? Is there questioun betuixt them of
lands, writts, evidents, acts, contracts, or obligatiouns ? There is
recourse to the ordinar judge appointed for the causes of suche
qualitie, which the king persueth by his advocat or procurator.
Hath the king questioun with a minister tuiching the misusing
of anie part of his vocatioun, and would trie him, to be punished
for the same ; as negligence in his office, heresie, slanderous doc-
trine ? The king, by his advocat or procurator, conveeneth hiin
before the eldership of his OAvne kirk, who sould trie, cognosce,
and decide, as they find him innocent or culpable. And if his
fault mcriteth civill punisheraent, the king or the civill magistrat
to use it at their discretioun ; if ecclesiasticall punishement,
the kirk to use exhortatiouns, admonitiouns, and, without res-
cipiscence, excommunication. Now say, I pray you, wherin find
yce the king's authoritie over ministers impaired, more than over
anie other subject that is tried by an assise ? An assemblie, ather
particular, provinciall, or generall, in this ^Joint may, in my opi-
nioun, be compted God's and the king's officers, in judgement, als
Aveill as anie other of his Hienesse' ordinarie judges. Therefore,
whill that sort of idle bellie-bishops would ding in kings' eares, that
ministers would exeeme them from their poAvers and jurisdictiouns,
they are doing nothing but preparing again a way to their tyran-
nicall supremacie, and buying and selling of all the offices and ec-
clesiasticall judgements in the kirk ; of which the author of our
1585. OF THE KIKK OF SCOTLAND. 315
declaration hatli made alreadie a smooking, kything, if I list to de-
clare, what good raerchandice he hath made, since he gott his new
authoritie.
" Palem. I see a wonderful! relatioun and conjunctioun betwixt
these tAvo powers, and necessitie that either of them hath of other's
labours and support.
" Zclat. O, happie, and more than happie, is that kirk and com-
mon n wealth, where either of them is solicite and carefuU of other's
estate !
" Palem. If these things be as yee afSrme, all the grounds our
great Metropolitan hath layed for foundatioun of the secund act
of parliament are easilie everted ; for he thinketh this power of
discipline of the kirk sould flow by commissioun of the king to the
bishop of the diocie, or others having his Grace's commissioun
thereto. And by your foundatioun, it directlie floweth from Christ
his owme commissioun, to the office-bearers of the kirk, as a proper
part of their vocatioun and calling.
" Zelat. And have I not proved the same, even Avithout imjmiring
the king's authoritie or poAver ?
" Tempor. This mater is more theologicall than I looked for :
and I am not a tlieologue ; I cannot say muche to it.
'■'' Palem. It is hard ansAvering the truthe. We will goe to the
declaration of the intention of tlie ferd act.
'■'■ Zelai. That blasphemous mouth that hath spewed out so manie
liorrible blasphemeis against the blessed Spous of Christ, his faithfull
servants and members, horribler than were the blasphemeis of
Senacherib, I doubt not God sail punishe wHth the like, or feare-
fuller judgements, seing that, like a filthie dog, he turneth backe
to his owne vomite, spitting in his owne face ; being an approver
of these assembleis that he noAV damneth, and one of the cheefe
doers of all things done in them.
" Palem. If yee would take the particular grounds of the decla-
ratioun, and meete them particularlie, it sould make a greater light
to the understanding, than if yee censured all things overhead.
316 calderwood's iiistouie 1585.
" Tonpor. We have spent over muclie time, and that will be
over tedious.
'' Palem. Alas ! Ave oft tymes spend more time vv^orse with lesse
regrait.
" Zelat. It sail not be fashious to me, so yee wearie not. In
this declaratioun of the ferd act, he first querrelleth the late esta-
blished presbytercis, consisting of ministers compted of equall
ranke and authoritie, and some gentlemen, Avhome he sayeth tooke
upon them the whole ecclesiasticall discipline, and altered the laAves
at their pleasure : a forme of doing, as he afiirmeth, never heard of
heeretofore ; prejudiciall to the king, estats, and commoun wealth,
incace it had not tymouslie beene foreseene, and diligentlie re-
pressed ; for confirraatioun wherof is introduced the particular fast
appointed in Edinburgh, when the bankett was prepared to the
Frenche ambassador. If the forme of presbytereis Avas never heard
of, constituted of spirituall and temporall men together, speare
what Sanct Paul meaneth, when he affirmeth that the elder that
travelleth in the Word is worthie of double honour. Wherin he
would witnesse that there be some elders that teache not, or tra-
vell not in the Word, but are occupied about correctioun of the
maners of the people, Avhich forme is observed in all the reformed
kirks of France, Almaine, and Geneva, at this present. And
though it were not a receaved order in other realmes, if it stand
with God's Word, bringeth confort to the kirk, why sould it not
be established and confirmed, rather than discharged, for the evi-
dence of anie reasoun that is produced against it ? And who saw
not the confort to the kirk, in repressing of vice, brydling of old
preests, and unqualified men, profaners of the sacraments and holie
mariage ; whereas now, libertie of all vice uncorrected, selling of
the sacraments, and unlawfull mariages, are als commoun in the
countrie as the pest was in Parise. Beside, over licentious a li-
bertie now loosed to ministers themselves. And where he querrel-
leth, that they tooke upon them the ecclesiasticall discipline, I say,
justlie, becaus it properlie and allanerlie perteaned to them ; which
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 317
your bishop himself hath affirmed, under his owne hand-writt.
And where he querrelleth their equahtie, Avhen he bringeth a war-
rant out of God's Word to prove a minister in his vocatiouu or
office to have a prerogative above his brother, (how instantlie so-
ever he aspire to it,) I sail recant that errour with the foure Evan-
gelists. And when he condescendeth "upon anie particvdar lawes
that they liave altered, or anie particular interest the king or com-
moun weale hath susteaned by these presbytereis, and that godlie
forme of discipline exercised in them, he sail be mett with a reason-
able answere.
" Tempor. He is verie generall, indeid, except tuiching the ban-
ket of the Frenche ambassader, the generall fasts, and conspiraceis
in the countrie.
" Zelat. The fasts and conspiraceis will fall out heerafter. As
to the banket, it was a malicious leesing of the presby terie. Alas,
that miserable and unhappie man ! that he sould cast God behind
him, and sell his tongue, knowledge, and ingyne, for his bellie, to
blaspheme God, slander his kirk, staine the king's name with so
manie lees. That mater never past the presbyterie.
" Tempor. Ye will not say that in earnest.
" Zelat. I sail show you the verie ground, and reserve judgement
unto your self. A number of the merchants of Edinburgh, of the
qualiteis of these whose god is their gaine, (I speeke reverentlie
of that great number whose hearts were wounded at that fact,)
caused it to be proponed to the king, and moved his Grace to send
a servant to the counsell of Edinburgh, to propone the making of
that bankett. The counsell having consulted with the ministers
theranent, (who misliked greatlie of it,) at the first it was simpliciter
refused by the counsell ; which the king's Grace tooke verie dis-
pleasantlie, affirming that it was their owne device, and not his.
The mater was of new reasouned again in counsell, and, in end,
with contradictioun of the sessioun of the ku'k, and best part of the
counsell, concluded, notwithstanding, to be made. Wherupon the
particular kirk of Edinburgh concluded to spend that day in fast-
ing and praying unto God, as witnesse of their disallowing of it :
318 caldeuwood's iiistorie 1585.
and no other authoritie but the particular kirk of Edinburgh among
themselves. And if there was fault, (as there was none in that
fact,) it is wrongfullie fathered upon the presbyterie. Nather was
there anie suche thing, (as he falslie affirmeth,) that men Avho did
it could skarslie be keeped from excommunicatioun. Judge now
your self if he hath not maliciouslie slaundered the presbyterie in
that fact.
" Palem. Truelie, if the mater hath proceeded so, he hath over-
seene himself.
" Tempor. But see what followeth, viz. : that in innumerable
other things, their command was opponed directlie, under the paine
of excommunication, to the king and his lawes.
" Zelat. These are his words in verie deed, like as they are af-
firmed to be sua, without anie warrant or ground.
" Tempor. Affirmeth he not that some of them are fled the
realme for it, and joyned there with his Grace's rebels in England,
for the same cans ?
" Zelat. And what better verificatioun of his affirmation is that,
than the other ? Where he appeareth to affirme, that in innumer-
able contramands they directlie oppouned, under the paine of excom-
municatioun, to the king's Majestie's command, it is an untruthe.
And it is a strange forme of reasoning, to blame the whole Kirk of
Scotland for the particular fact of two or three, howbeit that were
true. It were an liard assertioun to affirme that all Christ's apos-
tles Avcre tratours, because Judas betrayed him ; and it had beene
farre harder if Judas could not be proved to have beene a tratour.
If your author of your declaratioun bring not a better and more
solide ground to infame or discharge that presbyterie, it will be
long ere men of knowledge be moved with it.
" Palem. Truelie, I thinke als muche as yee ; for I thinks his
reasons be nothing but calumneis and lees.
'' Tempor. Yee will not bringe suche grounds for your Generall
Assembleis, that yee have convocated hitherto. Why may they
not be discharged ? Is it leasome to convocat suche a number of
the king's lieges without his Grace's knowledge and approbation ?
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 319
" Zelat. Howbeit I doubt not but the office-bearers of the kirk
may, by warrant of their owne commission givin to them by Jesus
Christ, conveene themselves to consult, advise, and determine, in
maters of God's glorie, advancement of the kirk, and propagatioun
of the Evangell, though princes would discharge the same, yitt
have we never had our Generall Assemblie that hath not beenc
authorized and allowed of the prince ; and manie times his Hienesse'
owne commissioners sent to the Assembleis, for confirmation and
allowing of them.
" Palem. Yee have affirmed two things farre by the commoun
opinioun of manie this day ; to witt, Convocatioun of your Generall
Assemblie is a part of the vocatioun of the ministers, which they
may exercise by the commissioun of their offices directlie from
Christ. The other, That Generall Assembleis that have beene
hitherto convocated, have beene allowed by authoritie of the prince.
" Zelat. I affirme both : put me to proofFe of anie yee please.
" Tempor. Since yee have said so farre to both, yee sail prove
both : choose your self which of them yee will beginne at.
" Zelat. Then will I beginne first to prove it to be by their com-
missioun from Christ. The power and authoritie of the office-
bearers of the kirk is of Christ, (their Head, King, Maister, and
Lawgiver,) and not of man.
" Tempor. Why say yee so ? for we see them manie times called
of men, yea, even of the king's self.
" Palem. Yee take him not : he speeketh not of their vocating
to their office, but of the power of their office. Prosecute your
reasoun.
" Zelat. Whatever in their vocatioun is (I say not onlie per-
mitted, but) straitlie commanded by this Lawgiver, no earthlie
prince may ather annull or discharge. But sua it is, that the
preaching of the Word, ministratioun of the Sacraments, assem-
bleis, as Weill generall as particular, for correctioun of maners, triell
of questiouns that arise tuiching the expositioun of the Word,
judging and damning of hereseis, are committed to them, and
straitlie commanded.
320 calderwood's historie 1585.
'■^ Palem. As for preaching the Word, and ministratloun of the
Sacraments, and conveening to particular assembleis, I will not be
farre against. But for a Generall Assemblic, who may conveene
it Avithout the authoritie of the prince, where there is a Christian
magistrat ?
" Zelat Yee looke oft times to the forme of doing things, for
the thing itself done ; which moveth great obscuritie. Say to tliis :
are not the preaching of the Word, ministratioun of the Sacra-
ments, assembleis, as weill generall as particular, for correctioun of
maners, triell of questiouns rysing upon the Word, judging and
damning of hereseis, their part and portioun of the vocation of the
ministrie ?
" Palem. I grant. But the forme and maner, where, when, and
how to doe it, is of the king.
" Zelat. It is a foolish thing to say men have commissioun of
Christ, which they may not exercise wathout authorizing of man.
When Christ sayeth, ' Goe, baptize and preache the kingdom of
heaven to all nations : I sail be among you to the consummation
of the world : Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am
amono- you : As my Father hath sent me, so send I you,' &c., and
suche other places, the warrants of ministers' vocatiouns, darre man
say yitt, ' Doe it not without my speciall licence ?' It were a proud
presumptioun, and contumelious blasphemie.
" Palem. Truelic, I thinke yitt, when suche workes as these, in a
Christian commoun Aveale, goe fordward with the countenance of
the prince, they have best successe.
" Zelat. Yee speeke truelie in that ; for w^hen the prince inter-
poneth his authoritie, (Avhich is the cheefe part of his calling,) con-
curring with the ministrie in promoving the kingdome of God, ex-
perience teacheth to have better successe. Yea, all the prince's
owne adoes have better successe, that his zeale appeare in that.
Yitt it followeth not in all this, but they may, and ought to con-
veene, to discharge all the parts of their callings requisite in their
conventiouns, by their owne power from Christ.
" Palem. The long debate betuixt the Emperours and Popes
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 321
tuiching conveening of generall councels hath beene ended in this
resolutioun by the learned of our age, that it Avas a tyrannicall
usurping of the civill magistrat's power that the Pope tooke upon
him of conveening of generall councels ; and that the same proper-
lie perteaneth to the Emperour.
" Zelat. They have resolved rightlie, and I agree to it.
" Tempor. Now, Palemon, yee have your intentioun.
" Zelat. At leasure. The Pope, by his pretended power to
usurpe that authoritie, we all agree to be most unlawfuU : for giv-
ing that he were a lawfull pastor in the kirk, (as he is but a ty-
ranne, yea, the verie Antichrist,) he might doe no more but con-
curre with his brethrein to particular and generall Assembleis.
But the Emperour, Avho pretendeth superioritie over all kingdoms,
as he hath a civill power over them, so may he exercise the same
over all natiouns, in citing and convocating generall councels of the
subjects of diverse princes, which no particular king may doe, hav-
ing onlie power over his owne subjects.
" Palciii. Why may not a king, within the limits of his king-
dome, als Weill convocat a generall assemblie of the persons that
beare the ecclesiasticall offices within his bounds, as may the Em-
perour, Avithin the large and Avide bounds of his impyre ?
" Zelat. I see no difficultie in that point, but both he may and
sould conveene, Avhen he seeth necessitie. And yitt, it derogateth
not to their poAver, but they may conveene ; as exemples teache
us they have conveened, and sould conveene, though tlicy have
not the conunand of the prince.
"Pa/ew. Then, Zelatoi', 1 would gather your conclusioun, that
the Generall Assembleis conveened in Scotland these tAventie-foure
yeeres past, and suche as sail be conveened heerafter, are of the
authoritie and poAver of Christ, their Law and Commissioun Giver,
which no king can laAvfullie discharge, more nor the preaching of
the Word, and ministratioun of the Sacraments.
" Zelat. I leave your self to judge. And as to the second })art
that I affirmed, that notAvithstanding, all our Assembleis were ap-
proved by the civill magistrat, I prove it thus : The king's Majestic
VOL. IV. X
322 CALDKR wood's niSTOTlIE 1585.
and counsell have approved the doctrine conteaned in the Old and New
Testament, which is the commissioun of ministers ; and he that ap-
proveth the doctrine approveth the commissioun, and the poAvcr grant-
ed in their commissioun. And so affirme they not onlie the Assem-
bleis, but all the policie of the kirk. And for my part, I allow verie
Weill of that answere given by the king's Majestic and counsell to
Mr Craig and Johne Duncansone, to that heed of their greeves
tuiching the late acts of parliament, regraiting that in the first act,
confirming the doctrine presentlie professed within this realme,
there was no raentioun made of the policie. Wheranent they re-
ceaved this answere, that under the doctrine is comprehended the
policie, as flowing from the doctrine, which is so indeid ; for con-
firmatioun of the Word of God confirmeth all that dependeth upon
it. AVhen was there ever questioun moved against the lawfulnesse
of General Assembleis before now ? No, not by the king's mother,
a professed enemie to religioun. Hath not the king himself sent
his commissioners to the Assembleis for their further authoritie and
confirmatioun ?
" Palem. Things that are lawfull and necessar in themselves, oft
tymes princes are compelled, for inconveniences that flow off them
in their misusage, to discharge, as Ezekias destroyed the brazen
serpent by his owne authoritie, the erectioun and institutioun
wherof was of the eternall God, and for a necessar caus. There-
fore, now, for profaning and abusing these (otherwise holie) con-
ventiouns, the king's Majestic is forced, by a necessitie, tymouslie
to provide (not a discharge of it altogether, but) a restraint of it
to suche times and persons as his Grace sail understand the neces-
sitie of the caus. And then his Grace will give directioun to his
bishops tuiching the forme, order, and causes of Generall Assem-
bleis.
" Zelat. What the king may do tuiching the charging or dis-
charging of God's lawes, (I speeke not of his absolute power, an
untimelie birth, latelie begottin in this corrupt age,) I have said
eneugh alreadie. As to the fact of King Ezekias, he declared him-
self a worthie prince, zealous of God's glorie in so doing, in respect
1585. OF TJIE KIRK or SCOTLAND. 323
of the vile idolatrie it was become the caus of; for the brazen ser-
pent was but a figure of Christ, and served but for a time ; to witt,
the curing the disease of these who were stinged with the serpents
in the wildernesse. But this forme of councels for governing of
the kirk must tarie, and can not be tane away so long as Christ
hath his kirk amongst whom he raigneth ; which is, till his secund
comming again in the clouds. As to the alledged abusing and pro-
faning of these holie conventiouns to treasonable ends, your Metro-
politan must ather bring better and more speciall grounds than he
hath spokin and proved in this declaratioun, or ellis they will not
be thought worth the reading.
" Tempor. Esteeme yee light of them all that are specified
heel e ?
" Zelat. Yea, truelie, verie light ; and I trow yee sail esteeme
light of them your self when they are considered and narrowlie
examined, wherin yee sail find them ather manifestlie false, or fals-
lie and calumniouslie inverted. He affirraeth that the practise of
these Assembleis was, that ministers, with some gentlemen of the
countrie, malcontents of tlie estat, under pretence of favouring the
ministrie, practised alwise sindrie interprises in the realme, (which
I take he meaneth in the worst part of treasoun,) and requireth no
other answere than, in all the Assembleis these twentie-foure yeeres
he is not able to specific one. He querrelleth that the lawes and
constitutiouns of the kirk were alterable. What for that ? They
be not all articles of our beleefe. Be not the lawes and constitu-
tions of men (otherwise than God's) alterable by occasioun of time,
place, and other circumstances ? He querrelleth that in Assem-
bleis, by pluralitie of votes, maters debated be concluded. What
other forme hath anie conventioun ather civill or ecclesiasticall ?
Read all the particular and generall councells, and see if yee find
another. He affirmeth that the Generall Assembleis, by their
commissioners appointed thereto, concluded the establishing of
bishops after their present forme. The truthe is, that these com-
missioners he speeketh of had onlie power of the Assemblie to rea-
soun with the regent and counsell for the time, and report again
324 caldekwood's historie 1585.
answcrc to the Assemblle ; and no power to conclude. And no
Asseniblie, to this houre, hath approved their estat as it is. The
Asscmblcis of Glasgow and Dundie discharged not the estat, as he
affirmeth, but said that bishops, as they presentlie be in the re-
formed realme, in their idle life, civill jurisdictiouns, without a
flocke to attend upon, cannot be compted Christ or St Paul's
bishops, but bishops after the wisdome of man ; and, therefore,
urged the bishops to take some particular kirk and flocke to teache
and waite upon, wherof they sould be called pastor, and for which
they sould answere ; and doe nothing in name of the kirk, in
maters belonging to the kirk, Avithout knowledge and commissioun
of the kirk. Which they themselves (and cheefelie your Metro-
politan) thought verie reasonable, and by his hand-writt approved,
and oblished himself to doe. As for their other things, of their
jurisdictiouns and estat civill, they medled no farther with it than
that they shew plainlie it was not leasome to bishops to have a
temporall or civill vocatioun that might hinder and impede their
spirituall charge, which also themselves confessed to be true. And
becaus they were one of the estats, it could not be taikin away
without good deliberatioun. The allcdged command sent by the
Assembleis to the king and counsell, under painc of excommunica-
tioun, to choose no moe bishops, is not true. But the Assemblie,
alwayes readie to give an accompt of their doings, declared to tlic
king and counsell what they had done, and what corruptioun they
found in that estate, that stood not with God's truthc, as tliey used
them ; craving humblie of his Majestic, that among otlier articles
givin in to his Hicnesse and counsell, that estat might be reduced
to the rule of Christ's institutioun, and the true exercise of an
apostolicall bishop, and craved that suche persons as beare func-
tioun in the kirk miglit have the place of voting in ecclesiasticall
effaires ; and idle belleis, that have no more adoe in the kirk, but
bare a shadow and a bare name of ecclesiasticall persons, as Tul-
cans, to intromett with and devoure tlie patriraonie of the kirk,
and assent to lawes that will (except God helpe otherwise) invert
the estat of tlie kirk, might, I say, be displaced from voting for
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 325
the kirk. What great treasoun is in all this course ? What great
treasoun was (for repressing the tyrannicall pride of aspyring
bishops, for avoiding their corruptioun) to appoint superintendents,
visiters, or commissioners, in the infancie of the kirk ? What is
the mater of the name ? They had all but one power and commis-
sioun of the kirk, in her infancie, to visie and plant the kirks, and
make a compt again of it to the Assemblie; which now is found
(after the kirk be planted) not of suche necessitie, but ex re nata,
to send men from presbytereis or assembleis, tuiching particular
things that fall furth in particular kirks. Can the constitutiouns
of the kirk be so sett doun as nothing may be alterable ? Repugn-
eth anie of them to the law of God, or to the king's lawes ?
Prove that once, and take all to him. He sayeth the Assembleis
are accustomed to impose lawes to the king and estats. But
nather what Assemblie, when or what lawes, is he able to specific.
That blasphemie spewed out against that godlie institutioun and
exercise of fasting, as a cloake, sayeth he, for factious conspiraceis,
I will say no more, but the Lord rebooke him for it ! Exemples
he proponeth, the crying out against the abusses of the court and
estats for the time, I will not nifFer^ words for answering this
mater ; but referre to your owne consciences if there hath not beene,
of long time bygane, if not yitt present, suche abusses in court and
estats as is a fearefull spectacle of God's judgements that crieth for
a publict fast everie day. The Lord move our hearts to sob and
mourne at the spectacle of it ; and lett him that will be filth ie con-
tinue filthie still.
" Ternpor. Truelie that blasphemie might have beene left out
Weill eneuo-h : for the confortable fruict of these fasts all the faith-
full in Scotland have felt. But he affirmeth that a general! fast
may not be appointed without advice of the king, seing he is a
Christian magistrat.
" Zelat. As though all that the kirk doeth were done in despite
and contramandement of his Grace ! O unhappie Achitophell !
the Lord sail find furth and confound thy blasphemous lees. I see
' Exchange.
326 caldeewood's histouie 1585.
his Qraftie intentioun to reduce all the policic of the kirk to depend
upon the prince's directioun and constitutioun, and from hivn to be
concredited to that corrupt, ignorant, and tyrannicall estat of
bishops, as though Christ, the Ruler of his kirk, were not able to
performe that he had promised, to be among them to the end of
the world that be gathered in his name. I see no reasoun for anie
of his assertiouns but as certane maximes and conclusions Avhich he
thinketh have authoritie eneugh, becaus he simplie affirmeth them
without anie warrant of the Word.
" Palem. All that solveth not the questioun. If the kirk may in-
stitute a publict fast for avoiding of an imminent plague appear-
ing?
" Zelat. God hath appointed the office-bearers in the kirk as
eyes to the people, to see and declare to them the way of life, and
eshevving of death : watchemen, to wairne of dangers they fall in
by sinne ; the salt of the earth, to mortifie the corrupt maners of
man. Who doubteth but these are the men, seing the judgements
of God, and the fire of his wrathe kindled among the people for
the proud contempt of God, sould not both wanie of the plague,
expone to them the courses of it, lay out to them the readie meanes
of removing, as repentance, humiliatioun, fasting, and prayer ?
Who ever heard this made questioun of before ? If this be no
part of their office, they have no office nor vocatioun Avhill the king
call them. Proclamed not Jeremie the fast at Jerusalem, in the
raigne of Zedckiah, foretelling the destructioun of Jerusalem by
the Chaldasans? (Jer. iv.) To what end sent he Baruch to the
assemblie of all Israel, conveened in the temple at Jerusalem, (I
doubt not, by his OAvne command to that publict fast ; for the king
and princes understood nothing of it, being at their delicat plea-
sures in their ovvne palaces,) but to show the people the heavie
wrathe of God prophesied against that natioun, and the comming
of the Chaldreans to destroy the temple and citie ; to move the
people to repentance, in fasting and prayer ? (Jer. iii. 6.) Jonah
proclamed God's judgements against Nineveh, and, as a skilful
physician, having declared the disease, he shew also the meanes
1585. OF TUE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 327
how to avolde the same. Who proclamed all the publlct fasts hi
the time of the people's being in captivitie ? Did anie other than
the prophets, and they that bare the ecclesiasticall offices ?
" Paleni. Jonah proclamed by advice of the king and nobles :
the other was under heathen princes.
^' Zelat. Yee say true. By Jonah's admonitiouns and exhorta-
tiouns the princes of Nineveh interpouned their authoritie, (a thing
that bringeth good successe to the constitutiouns of the kirk :) the
first ground alwise was by Jonah's preaching. As to the fasts in-
stituted under heathen princes, which yee thinke sould not induce
a libertie prejudiciall to Christian princes, I understand not a rea-
soun but these exercises of Christian libertie, that were leasome to
Christians under the heathen, be also permitted under Christian
princes, incace Christian princes would abandoun or discharge anie
part of their liberteis ; for hitherto I have never heard of a particu-
lar law for Christians in their vocatiouns under princes heathen,
and another under Christian.
" Tempor. Yee compleane muche of his generalitie. But what
say yee to that particular of your Generall Assemblie's allowing
and justifeing of the Road of Ruthven, Avhich I am certan it sail
be impossible to you to answere for ?
" Zelat. What I have said, I leave Palemon to judge.
" Paleni. Truelie, if yee satisfie that heed weill, the state of it
being as our Metropolitan hath said, yee doe more than I can be-
leeve.
" Zelat. That jugler hath falselie inverted the whole state of tliat
cans, to disgrace the kirk of God, as though the act of Asserablie
had beene concluded after the estats of the realme had declared it
to be a treasonable attemptat.
" Palem. How was it, then ? for he appeareth to declare the cace
sua.
" Zelat. In the first Assemblie after that attemptat, the authors
of it presented to the Assemblie a supplicatioun, desiring that their
fact and intentioun might be allowed and justified by the authori-
328 calderwood's historie 1585.
tie of that Assemblie. The mater being debated somwhat, they
said, it is a civill mater, nothing perteaning to them. The authors
replyed, the king and comisell had justified the fact, as also the
whole estats of the reahne ; and the king's Grace had agreed that
there sould be an act made in that Assemblie allowing it. Wher-
upon there were directed to the king from the Assemblie Mr James
Lowsone, of good memorie, and Mr David Lindsey, to understand
his Hienesse' owne minde in that mater; who having conferred
with his Grace, reported answere to the Assemblie, that his Grace
and counsell had allowed weill of the fact, and was content that
the Assemblie sould passe an act, as was desired. Wherunto the
Tutor of Pitcurr and the Colonell, his Grace's commissioners at
that time, affirmed that they had speciall command to assent, in
his Grace's name. And so, the Assemblie had, for their warrant
in that mater, the king's owne mouth, the assent of his owne com-
missioners, conclusioun of the estats, publict proclamations at the
croces of burghes, to be compted sowers of discord, enemeis to the
quietnesse of the estate of the realme, that spake otherwise, or said
that his Grace was deteaned captive, or in the hands of anie but
his faithfull subjects, and suche as he allowed weill of. What war-
i-ant, I pray you, is it possible for men to have more ?
" Tempor. The king hath declareth sensyne, that he was then in
captivitie, compelled, for eschewing of greater inconveniences, to
cans that be done, and hath charged the Assemblie sensyne to
damne and destroy that act ; and, notwithstanding, they obstinat-
lie refuse.
" Zelat. I will not say all that might be reasouned, if the Assemblie
of the kirk sould change their determinations at everie alteration of
the court. The Avorld may see how that miserable man forgeth
lees ; for there was never yitt to this houre a Generall Assemblie.
It is true, there was one appointed at Sanct Andrewes. But the
brethrein convcened not, becaus his Grace had discharged that As-
semblie. Now, judge what necessitie there is, ather to his Grace
to discharge Assembleis or demitt his crowne, (as is alledged his
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTL.VND. 329
Grace was forced to doe ;) or Avliat high point of treasoun may
justlie be laved against the Assemblie for this act, upon these cir-
cumstances above specified.
" Palem. Alas for the estat of the subjects, in suche mutabilitie
of these who have the governement ! for whatever revocatiouns
come by the youth and minoritie of a king, the conclusioun and
determinatioun of the estats sould alwayes be sure and stable.
" Zelat. All that followeth off this fourth act of intentiouns
tuiching correctioun of maners by ecclesiasticall discipline, conven-
tioun to Generall Assembleis, and order to particular fasts, intended,
as he affirmeth, by the king, I aviU conclude without anie further
nor is spokin : for except that these formes agreed not with the
forme and institutioun of suche exercises prescrived by the Spirit
of God, (and when he sail prove that intended forme to agree with
the Word, I sail recant my errour, with the foure Evangelists,)
therefore, putt als faire colour upon this intentioun as they list, (if
it be not after the forme of governement that Jesus Christ, the
wisdome of the Eternall Father, hath appointed to his kirk, as in
verie deed it is not,) it but destroyeth the kirk, and buildeth not.
Salomon was the figure of Christ, replenished with graces extraor-
dinar, with wisdome above all men in the earth ; yitt in the insti-
tutioun of God's service, bigging of the temporall temple, the figure
of the true kirk of God, it Avas not leasome to him in one jott to
passe the paterne and directioun of the Eternall God.
" Palem. I have looked in all this conference, when yee sould
have spokin somwhat tuiching the act of re-establishing of bishops,
wheranent I heare great varietie of opiniouns.
" Zelat. I purposelie omitted it to the end of the deciaratioun,
which concerneth the more full utterance of that corru])t inten-
tioun.
" Palem, I would gladlie heare of the authoritie of bishops, what
it is, how farre it extendeth over both laicks and ecclesiasticks ; for
I heare say, it is muche controverted among the learned, and spe-
ciallie in England, where their bishops have great authoritie.
" Zelat. Yee are, with our mutuall consent, accepted Judge, if
330 caldeuwood's iiistouie 1585.
I have not reasonable grounds, and lawfull cans of refVisall sub-
scriving obedience, and allowing the acts of parliament. Whcrin
I have, I doubt not, satisfied you ; and in the shift that Tempor-
izar alledged, that the difficulteis that I found in the acts are satis-
fied in the declaratioun : which we have overseene and reasouned.
To this heed, of the bishops' re-establishing in their jurisdictiouns,
which part of the declai'atioun, so farre as it sail minister to me
occasioun of the heeds ycc would be resolved of, I sail, after the
grosncsse of my understanding, speeke of. But to intreate all
questiouns that may be controverted tuiching that heed, I intend
not ; having, in all the former heeds, purposelie overpast manic
questiouns which might be propouned, contenting myself with
that which hath justified my owne caus.
" Palem. Will yee, then, keepe the same methode tuiching the
heed of the declaratioun concerning the bishops, that yee did in
the last, concerning Assembleis ?
" Zelat. Als neere as I can. This re-establishing of bishops, I
skarse understand wherunto it sould be referred, whether to their
estat in Papistrie, or the idle life of Tulcans, that they have occu-
pied since the reformatioun of religioun ; or neither, but some thrid
and mixed conditioun patched up of both, not yitt sattledlie con-
sidered. Therefore, I will medle no farther nor the plaine evi-
dence spokin in this declaratioun it self committed to them.
^^ Palem. The bishops affirme that their forme of governement
in the kirk hath alwayes beene since the time of the apostles.
" Zelat. With reverence of his metropolitanship, he speeketh not
truelie. It is true, that since the apostles' time there hath al-
wayes beene bishops, call them bishops, pastors, or ministers, as
yee list, that had the overwatching of their owne flockes and con-
gregatiouns. But that anie of these had authoritie annexed, ather
by their place or vocatioun, over their other yoke-fellow bishops,
in the forme and maner ather of Papist bishop, or idle Tulcan, or
this new forme of constituted bishop, sail he never be able to prove,
ather by the Word, authentick canonicall institutioun, nor practise
of time, whill (manie hundreth yeeres after the age of the apostles)
1585. OF THE KIEK OF SCOTLAND. 331
that fearefull corniptioun of a good institutioun, by long corrupt
time, brought furth that horrible monster of that supreme head over
all bishops, as is more nor manifest of all the old canonicall consti-
tutiouns, historiographers, and councels. Your great Dagon, Avhom
Dagon's death abldeth, maketh muche adoe for parltie and equa-
litie of ministers, alledging it a new practise, invented within these
few yeeres by some bussie and curious heads, whose intentioun
tendeth to nothing but factiouns and seditions, tumults and troubles
in the realme, and can never say eneugh, nor mak an end of bab-
llng treasoun, seditioun, factions, conspiraceis ; and yitt, never able
to prove the least argument of suspicioun of anie of these, except
suche as he ather falselle inventeth, or calumniouslie inverteth.
And if this paritie be new, and not meete to be querrelled, take his
querrell against Matthew, cap. xx. ver. 25 and 26 ; Mark x. ver.
32 ; wherin the Spirit of God, for abating this tyrannicall prefer-
ment of one of his apostles above another, which he perceaved them
to aspire to after his departing, commandeth, that he that would
be greatest be servant to all the rest. Luke, cap. ix. ver. 49 ;
and 1 Pet. v. 1. As alsua, innumerable places of Scripture directlie
impugne this preferment so aspired to, and conflrme this paritie so
muche querrelled. Papists would allow weill of this doctrine of
preferment, as the sure foundatloun of their Popdome. He sayeth
that the kins; and estats maturelie and advisedlie concluded the
said paritie to be no luore tolerated, for the forsaids consideratiouns.
I win speeke reverentlie of two of the estats ; but for the thrid, I
may boldlie affirme it is but a shadow of the kirk, and the wracker
of the true kirk. What mature and advised declaratioun was it.
In lesse than twentie-foure houres, to men ather unskilled or ene-
meis, to cast doun, but reasoning with anie of the kirk, the policie
of twentie-foure yeeres^ grounded on God's Word, concluded by
grave, wise, and learned men, confirmed by publict lawes, and ap-
proved by forrane natiouns ? Suche was your mature and advised
deliberatioun ! ' The solicitude and care of moe kirks,' sayeth he,
' to depend upon the bishops of the diocie, or the king's Majestie's
commissioners, to be appointed to that effect.' A bishop's prefer-
332 calderwood's historie 1585.
ment above manic ministers, and manie kirks, I tliinke, I have al-
readie proved to be contrare the institutiomi of Christ, and coni-
missioun givin by him to the office-bearers in the kirk ; to smell of
the dregs of Papistrie, and the wisdome of the flesh ; which never
can rightlie away with the puritie of Christ. The second, and the
new forme of the commissioner to be appointed by the king to this
end, whom lie describeth a little heerafter, (that sail be presented
by the king to the kirk, and by them admitted ;) I would our Me-
tropolitane sould produce a warrant, ather for the king of prescriv-
ing, or the kirk of admitting, suche an office-bearer in the kirk,
that hath not a speciall vocation appointed of God.
" Palem. Will yee say that the king may not appoint a com-
missioner to visie kirks, and see that all men doe their duetie, seing
he is, as Eusebius writteth of Constantine, episcopus episcoporum ?
" Zelat. God forbid that I sould say it; but rather I affirme that
there is a great necessitie that he sould doe it ; and would God
he had suche a commissioner in all the shires of Scotland ! but
that he may not constitute in the kirk a new office-bearer, a new
commissioner, an ecclesiasticall persoun to an ecclesiasticall func-
tioun ; nather may the kirk lay hands, or admitt suche a persoun to
suche avocatioun: for both the king and the kirk want a warrant
for planting anie new office-bearer in the kirk, moe than Christ
hath instituted. And as to Eusebius, I affirme all that he sayeth,
in his sense and meaning ; which is not, that a king or emperour is
bishop of bishops as ecclesiasticall persons, but a watcheman over
them all, carefullie attending that they all doe their duetie.
" Tempor. Why say yee so ? Yee know, in England there
be preachers that have the queen's braid scale to goe prcache
where they please, without certane limited place, or particular
congregatioun upon whom they attend. And why not suche a
commissioner als Aveill as suche a preacher ?
" Zelat. Even ahke of both ; for it is of necessitie that if he be
a pastor, it must be of a flocke ; and none in all England is able to
bring a warrant for that, of the Word.
" Palem. What have we to doe with England ? Yee grant that
1585. OF THE KIllK OF SCOTLAND. 333
the king; is watcheman over all bisliops, may send commissioners
to visic kirks ; as also, yee affirme tliat the kirk may send. What
difference is betuixt these two commissioners ; and why may not
the one be an office in the kirk, as weill as tlie other?
" Zelat. Neither of tliem are offices in the kirk ; ibr an office is
a thing that is pcrpetuall, withont anie interraissioun, hath a par-
ticular and continuall vocatioun appointed of Christ, wheron the
office-bearer continuallie awaiteth. As to commissioners in the
kirk, though it hath beene muche used in the infancie of the kirk,
yitt, Avhere kirks be weill constituted, and the civill magistrat dili-
gentlie assisting, they will find evill by necessitie of commissioners ;
except it be upon some particular occasioun, that may not without
slander abide the nixt Generall or Provinciall Assemblie. A mo-
derator or president of Assemblie is not an office in the kirk ; for
the Assemblie ceassing, his office ceasseth. And it is alike of the
visiter. The mater of his particular visitatioun ended, his com-
mission endeth. The visiter appointed by the king, as the king is
a civill persoun, so is his commissioner, and his commissioun civill ;
not to exercise in his owne person anie office in the kirk, (which
he may not more than the king himself,) but see that all be dueti-
fullie done, and weill ordered in the kirk.
^^ Pale in. Yee will say then, that the difference betweene the king
and the kirk's commissioners is, that the kirk's are actors and doers
themselves, and the king's, commanders and overseers, that things
requisite be done, and civillie punishe suche as repyne or offend.
" Zelat. It cannot be affirmed that a commissioner may doe the
tiling that he may not doe, whose commissioun he beareth. And
to say that the king, or anie that is not consecrated particularlie
thereto, may exercise anie spirituall functioun, is manifestlie against
the Word of God; and the distinctioun of these tAvo offices, con-
teaned in Numbers, cap. iii. verse 10; and cap. xviii. verse 7,
where it is manifestlie disswaded, under the paine of death.
" Palem. Will yee not graunt unto the king that authoritie and
these privilcdges in the kirk and ecclesiasticall causes, that other
334 calderwood's historie 1585.
kings and Christian magistrats Avhicli have beene weill reported of,
have had in their realmes ?
" Zelat. Great reasoun, being weill reported of, or approved of
God.
" Palem. Melchisedeck was both king and preest ; Moses exerced
both the powers ; David distributed the Levits to their office, and
divided them in twentie-foure rankes, to serve by course ; Salomon
deposed Abiathar, and appointed Sadock in his place ; Ezekias ap-
pointed Levits and preests to their offices, and to hear causes in
maters of controversie ; Jehosaphat sent his princes and preests to
preache through Judea. In all these, the Spirit of God hath left
us witnessing, that the civill magistrat hath more power in the
adoes of the kirk nor to visie and overwatche.
" Zelat. All the facts of suchc men as have beene figures of
Christ, or extraordinarilie choosed, and appointed extraordinarilie
to offices, are not to be imitated as exemples of everie man to doc
the like in this age, except men als extraordinarilie called had als
extraordinarie graces. But I will come more speciallie to all these
particulars, and yee sail see your advantage. Melchisedeck was
the livelie figure of Christ, and was before the institutioun of the
Leviticall preesthood, and distinctioun of the two powers. Moses
was extraordinarilie called with extraordinarie graces, extraordi-
narilie to use not all that belonged to both the powers, (for Aaron
was choosed to the preesthood ;) but some part of both. David,
extraordinarilie called, was both king and prophet, with rare and
singular graces, inasmuche as the Spirit of God Avitnesseth of him,
' I have found a man after my owne heart.' And what doeth Da-
vid, but of the 38,000 Levits, for confusioun of suche a multitude,
assigne them by lott to their owne offices appointed of God to them
onlie ; and divided them in number, to serve by course, becaus
they could not all Avait on the temple and service at once ? Ap-
pointed he anie to this service except the Levits ? Prescrived he
anie forme of service, except that which they had speciallie in com-
mand of God ? Tooke he upon himself the excercising of the least
1585. or THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 335
pai't of anie ot" the offices to doc liiinself ? What can yee now in-
ferre of the fact of David ? I thinke it inaketh plaine for me against
you. Salomon was, doubtlesse, the figure of Christ. And to the
deposing of Abiathar he might justlie have tane his life, for being
culpable of Adonijah's conspiracie ; and Salomon spared his life,
becaus he had atteaned to that honour to beare the arke of the
Lord, and beene partaker of all David's afflictiouns. I see not
what yee gaine in this fict to your advantage nather ; for, make a
minister culpable of treasoun, the king may strike his head from
him, als weill as from another man. Would yee sa}^, that in this
fact of Jehoshaphat, that he appointed princes to preache in Judah ?
" Palem. It appeareth sua of the place.
" Zelot. That were a g-rossc io-norance. A o'ood sonne of a fa-
ther, (whose last dayes answei'cd not to the zeale of his first dayes,)
after the death of his father, bent himself whollie to serve God, and
root out all the monuments of idolatrie wherewith his father, in
his last dayes, had defiled the land, sent both princes, preests, and
Levits through Judah, the preests to preache and teache the
people, and doe their office, the princes to interpone their autho-
ritie to see it done and obeyed. Which is the verie forme that, I
affirme, all Christian princes sould follow, procuring to them by
that meanes the like blessings which God bestowed upon Jeho-
shaphat, for his carefull zeale in promoving the kingdom of God.
What can more speciallie or livelie sett furth the decisioun of
this controversie, than the fact of Jehoshaphat, in the 19 of the
Secund Booke of the Chronicles, where he appointeth commoun and
civill judges to the civill causes, and judges of the preests and Le-
vits to the causes of God ? And as other exemples make nothing
for your purpose, this maketh muche for myne. As to Ezekias, a
good Sonne of a wicked and unhappie father, who, in the first monetli
of his raigne, prepared himself to seeke the Lord, and to reduce
the Levite to their owne proper offices, and to clenge themselves,
and the temple, which, by his father, was foullie polluted and de-
filed ; what can yee gather heerof, but the livelie paterne both of
a good king's device, (that would have his regiment blessed,) and
336 caldekwood's iiistoime 1585.
the veric mirrour of that forme that we have spokin, which princes
sould use in ecclesiasticall maters ?
" Palcm. Although men bussie themselves muche about these,
and suche like places, I can not see that it bringeth anie necessar
conclusioun of suche purpose as they would conclude by these, or
the like arguments.
" Zelat. Now, lett us come to our declaratioun againc, where he
sayeth that this preferment of bishops preserveth a godlie har-
monic, unitie, and concord in the kirk ; wheras the equalitie di-
videth the same, and maketh, that some that be of craftier ingynes
than others be greatlie enriched ; and bringeth confusioun and
corruptioun in the kirk : what this preferment of pastors above
others hath brought in the kirk of God. it speeketh so plainlie the
self, that I mister not to say a word : and Avhat confort and quiet-
nesse in this pai'itie, and governing of the kirk by councels, the
primitive kirk hath fovmd, we ourselves have found, (since God
sent the light of his truthe among us,) all men will make profes-
sioun of, except suche as aspire to that tyrannicall preferment
themselves ; or suche as be corrupt office-bearers, and confusioun in
the kirk have course, in end, to bring in confusioun. And as to the
riches that he affirmeth some men, by the meanc of this paritie,
have atteaned unto, I may boldlie affirme, that it is not weill knoAvne
in anie of the ministers that 1 ken in Scotland ; for I trow he
hath conqueissed, taliter qualiter, greater riches by pycking the
bones of an old bishoprick, and some Ilolliglasse trickes, than all
the ministers of Scotland.
" Teitij)or. I will sweare that yee sail never need to lead farther
probatioun ; for your precisenesse gars manic of you dyne after
supper.
" Zelat Yee are ever at the leiks and garlick of Egypt. lie
affirmeth, that Nulla tyraunis cEquiparanda tyraniiidi multit.udinis ;
which I affirme also to be true. But that this forme of governing
the kirk by councels in paritie of office-bearers, which is of the
wisdome of Christ, is tyrannic, that I denie, except that he will
prove that Christ's wisdome is tyrannic. All that followeth to the
1585. OF THE KlHlv OF SCOTLAND. 337
end of this heed; of re-establishing of bishops, is nothing ellis but
a hotche-potche, or mixture of the institutioun of Christ willi the
wisclome of man in governing of the kirk, tending, by the wisdome
of the fleshe, and leaving tlie v/isdome of the Spirit of God, to the
establishing of the tyrannical! suprcmacie of bishops above other
pastors, and all tlie exercise of the kirk to depend upon them ; the
particulars \vherof are sufficientlie mett before. For I see nothing
in all these courses, but men taking the forme of doing of Nadab
and Abihii, who, not content to keepe God's constitutioun, follow-
ing their owne Avisdome, tooke strange and commoun fire, and not
the fire of the altar, (Levit. x.) And as that strange fire devoured
them, men's owne wisdome, lifted up above God's, may possiblie
devoure tliem that will not yeeld to Christ's wisdome in the governe-
ment of his kirk by his owne Avisdome.
" Tcmpor. I have enough of these maters at this time. I per-
ceave, Palemon, yee are als drunken in this foole's follie as him-
self. Yee vvill not yeeld to the king : the king must yeeld to you.
" Zelat. He that yeeldeth to God's eternall truthe, he yeeldeth
not to men, but to God.
" Palem. Lett him goe. O what a burthein is Christ to these
that have their portloun and felicitie in this Avorld ! Now, since
this Epicurean is gone, I will conferre but this muche shortlie with
you. I trow, indeld, this preferment of bishops be not ex jure
divmo, but be constitutions of old canons, for the better governing
of the kirk, the image wherof remaineth yitt in manie realm es ;
and, as appeareth, the king Avould interteane the same forme.
" Zelat. To dispute the estate of bishops in forrane realmes is to
no purpose ; and to discourse how bishops come to this preferment,
Avhat was their poAver In the primitive kirk, hoAv this preferment
came peece and peece in corruptioun, Avhill in end it begott that
supreme heed and monster, the Pope, it would, I say, tak a veric
long time, and more than I may presentlie spaire. But I hearo
8ay, that this metropolitan is setting furth a booke, of justefciisg
this new forme of policie and their tyrannicall supremacie; Avliicii
Avill make plalne overture, to debate all questiouns that may fall
VOL, lA'. y
338 CALDEliWOOD's UISTOKIE 1585.
f'urth upon these heeds. God hath had a reasonabhe weill govern-
ed kirk in Scotland these twentie-foure yeeres ; and now all is
cast doiin, and the ordering of the discipline putt in the hands ot
these that nather can, nor have a good will, nor understand what
this mater meaneth. Of all the bishops in Scotland, (giving that
this forme were lawfull,) who is able to discharge this burthein ?
Are not three or foure of these bishopricks alreadie reduced to
suche estat that a poore minister will not take the place and of-
fice for his simple stipend ? Dunkelden, an old dotted Papist ;
Brechin, Dumblane, Glasgow, Orkney, Cathnesse, and the rest,
als meets for that purpose as I am for singing of a solemne masse.
Sanct Andrewes himself, the father of all this course, hath some
knowledge, I grant, yitt misused, to his just accusatioun. What
can men looke for of him, a renegat apostat, affirming that thing
treasoun this yeere that with teares he subscrived the last yeere ?
What can be hoped for of so constant inconstancie ? A jugler, a
Holliglasse, a drunkard, a vile Epicurean ! What miserable con-
fusioun, alas, is this come among us ! My heart feareth me to think
on it. O Lord, give eyes to the watchemen of thy kirk, to see
v/hat the devill intendeth in this confusioun ; and, in knowledge,
give them a zealous boldnesse to discharge their consciences faith-
fullie in suche a time.
" Palem. What course thinke yee to take in this strait ; for I
heare that manic of your brethrein have subscrived ?
" Zclat. I will preassc no man to my rule, nather will I querrell
them in theirs rashlie. I will attend that good issue for my owne
estate, that God hath promised all these, Avith their adoes, that re-
pose on him.
" Palem. Doubtlesse there is a great slander among the simple
people for this confusioun and divisioun that is amongst you.
Some subscriving, justefeing acts, declaratioun, and all; some sub-
scriving obedience to the acts, and not justifeing the acts, say
they: some with additioun of 'According to God's Word ;' some
after one forme, and some after another ; and some straitlie per-
sisting in tluit ()[)inioun, that after none of these formes it may be
1585. OF THE KIKK OF SCOTLAND. 339
subscrlved ; affirming, that maters of religiouu would not be hand-
led sophisticallie, nor boutgates/ nor dissiniulatioun, used in them ;
and therefore have choosed rather the hazard of the uttermost in-
convenient that may fall on their bodeis, ere they were found to
halt betwixt two. And this bringeth not onlie a slander among
the people, but also a divisioun and renting of mindes among your
selves, to the great hinder of God's glorie, and confirmatioun in the
king his heart his course to be lawfull, wdiill it hath approbatioun
of so great a number,
" Zelat. God knoweth what wound that hath beene to my heart
to see us, that in unitie sould be mirrours to the world, be authors
of so lamentable a slander, both of divisioun, and so covert betray-
ing of the truthe. Alas for them that, being pillers in the kirk,
sould have beene suche stumbling-bloekes to the weake ! As to
myself, I have layed this compt, to suspend my judgement tuich-
ing all these sorts of my brethrein, and see what, and how God
worketh with them, talking exemple in Peter, that all who horriblie
fall perishe not : that if God open their mouthes, as God in the
estat of his cans craveth, to discharge their conscience both by
mouth and penne, and lay furth to the world the evident repug-
nance of these lawes to God's law, they sail be to me als deere
brethrein as ever they were before. Lord, strenthen the weake,
confirme them that stand ; these that fall, not maliciou^lie and
with proud contempt, raise againe ; and manifest thyself, in mer-
cie, to all these that transgresse not maliciouslie.
''From Newcastell, the tenth of Februar, 1585 yeeres."
A PROCLAMATION ESTABLISHING ECCLESIASTICALL COMMISSIONERS,
AT HALYRUDHOUS, 2d JANUARY 1585.
" James, by the grace of God, King of Scots, To our lovits, etc.,
messingers, our shireffs in that part, conjunctlie and severallie, spe-
ciallie constitut, greeting. Forasmuche as in our late parliament,
holdin at Edinburgh upon the 22d day of May last bypast, sindrie
' Circuitous courses.
340 calderwood's historie 1585.
good and godlie constitutiouns, als weill for prcservatioun of our
authoritic royall, as for the wcalc and policie of the ku-k, were
made and published ; and to the ciFect that an unifonne order
miglit be observed, speciallie amongst the ministers of God's AVord,
it was statute and ordeanned, that all beneficed men, ministers,
readers, and maisters of colletlges and schooles, sould testific and
faithfullie promise, by their hand-writts, their humble and ducti-
full submissioun and fidehtie to us, and to obey with all humilitie
our acts of our said parliament ; and that, according to the same,
they sould show their obedience to their ordinar bishop or com-
missioner, appointed, or to be appointed, to have the exercise of
the spirltuall jurisdictioun in their dioceis : And incace of inobc-
dience of the saids beneficed men, ministers, readers, and maisters
of colledges and schooles, in tlie premisses, their benefices, livings,
and stipends to vaike, ipso facto, and qualified and obedient per-
sons to be presented and provided in their rowmes, as if they were
naturallie deid : Which being once laAvfullie and orderlie provided,
the saids persons, refusars to subscrive, sould at no time therafter
have restitutioun, Avhatsomever oflPer of obedience they sould hr.ppin
to make, lyke as at more lenth is conteaned in our said act of par-
liament ; since the making and publicatioun wherof diverse pro-
clamatiouns have beene sett furth, and lawful! advertisement other-
wise givin to all beneficed men, ministers, readers, maisters of col-
ledges and schooles, to testifio that lawfull obedience, by their sub-
scriptioun in maner specified in our said act of parliament ; wher-
unto, albeit diverse have shewed themselves conformable, never-
thelesse, sindrie others have disobeyed, ather absenting them alto-
gether, or compcering, or departing without yeelding of their due
obedience; yitt, to cutt away all excuse and pretence of ignorance,
we have appointed the bishops presentlie exercising their ordinar
office and functioim in their dioceis ; and where suche bishops are
not, or that the bishopricks are now vacand, have appointed the
persons luiderwrittin commissioners, to be assisted by the noble-
men and others after specified ; with power to call and conveene
the beneficed men, ministers, readers, maisters of colledges and
1585. OF THE KIIiK OF SCOTLAND. 341
schooles, witliin their bounds and dioceis respective, and to present
unto them the forme of their promise and obligatioun ordeanned by
our said act of parliament to be subscrived by them, requiring
them to subscrive the same, after the tenor of our said act ; and
incace of their non-compeerancc, to the eifect that the persons
shewing themselves obedient may be answered of their livings
and stipends, as apperteaneth, and the inobedients called, persued,
and punished for their contempt, according to our lawes.
'' They are to say, a Most Reverend Father, and our trust coun-
seller, Patrik, Archbishop of Sanct AndrcAves, within the whole
bounds of the diocie therof ; the said archbishop, assisted by our
right trust cousine and counseller, James Erie of Arran, Lord
Aven and Ilammiltoun, our Chanceller, and ShirefF of Lanerk and
Stirline ; Robert Archbishop of Glasgow, within the whole bounds
of the diocie of Glasgow ; Mr Peter Watsone, Person of Flisk, as-
sisted by oiu' wcilbeloved counseller, Mr Patrik Vans of Barnbar-
roch, one of the Senators of our Colledge of Justice, within the
whole bounds of the diocie of Galloway ; a Reverend Father, Neill,
Bishop of Argile, assisted by our wcilbeloved counseller. Sir James
Campbell of Ardkinglas, knight, our Comptroller, within the
bounds of the diocie of Argile ; a Reverend Father, Johne, Bishop
of the lies, assisted by our cousin and counseller, Johne Erie of
Montrose, Lord Grahame, our Treasurer, and ShirefF of Perth,
Avithin the bounds of tlie diocie of Dumblane ; our Aveilbeloved
cleik and counseller, Johne Bartan, one of the Senators
of our Colledge of Justice, assisted by our said Treasurer, within
the bounds of the diocie of Dunkelden ; our wcilbeloved Johne
Areskin of Dun within the bounds of the diocie of Brechin ; a
Reverend Father, David, Bishop of Aberdeen, within the bounds
of the diocie of Aberdeen ; our wcilbeloved Clerk, Mr George Hay,
Person of assisted by our right trust cousin, George Erie
of Huntlie, within the bounds of the diocie of Murrey ; our wcil-
beloved Clerk, Mr Robert Grahame, Archdeacon of Rosse, assisted
by our weilbeloved Coline Mackenzie of Kintaill, within the bounds
of the diocie of Rosse ; our weilbeloved Johne Gray of Fordell,
342 caldkuwood's histouie 1585.
nsslsted by our right trust cousins, Alexander Eric of Sutherland,
and George Erie of Catlmesse, in either of their countreis within
the bounds of the diocic of Catlmesse ; our weilbeloved Clerk, Mr
James Annand, Chanceller of Orkney, assisted by our right trust
cousine, Robert, Erie of Orkney, within the bounds of the diocie of
Orkney and Zethind : and ordeane commissiouns to be made under
our signet, to the effect forsaid, wherunto these presents sail be suf-
ficient warrant. And incase anie of the said beneficed men, mini-
sters, readers, and raaisters of colledges and schooles, sail happin to
be absent furth of the countrie, it sail be to their choice ather to re-
paire to their owne ordiner bishop or commissioner, and to subscrive,
or to come to Edinburgh, and subscrive in presence of our Chancel-
ler, sua as alwlse they subscrive betuixt and the said day.
" Attour, we have commanded and ordeaned, and by the tenor
hecrof command and oi'deane, that all persons who have alreadie
subscrived, have the extracts of their stipends and letters therupon
to be answered and obeyed, of the crop and yeere of God 1584
yeeres instant, delivered to them without delay. And siclyke to
all other which sail happin to subscrive betuixt and the said day.
And to that effect hath made, and by the tenor heerof maketh,
our saids Chanceller, Treasurer, Sir Johne Matlane of Thirlestane,
knight, our Secretar, our trust cousine and counseller, James Lord
Down, our CoUector-Generall, Mr Patrik Vaus of Barnbarroch,
James Meldrum of Segy, Mr Thomas Bannatyne, of the Kirktoun
of Newtyle, and Alexander Hay of Easter Kennet, Clerk of Re-
gister, our said Chanceller, Treasurer, Secretar, or anie one of
them being alwayes one, our speciall commissioners for modifica-
tioun of the saids ministers' stipends, for the said yeeere and crop ;
with power to them to proceed therintill, as they sail thinke most
expedient ; firme and stable, holding, and for to hold, what they
sail doe in that behalf. Our will is heerefore, and we charge you
straitlie and command, that incontinent, these our letters scene,
yee passe to the mercat croces of the heed buri'owes of our realme,
and other places needfull, and there, by opin proclamatioun, in our
name and authoritie, make publicatioun and intimatioun of the
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 343
premisses, that none pretend ignorance of the same, as yee Avill
auswere to us therupon, &c. Given under our signet, at Haly-
rudhoiis, the secund day of Januar.''
Mr Patrick Galloway, in a letter dated at Newcastell, tlie 12th
of Januarie, and writtin to Mr James Carmichaell, regraiteth the
denouncing of Mr Johne Colvill ; and signifieth to him, that the
lords and their companie were to celebrat a fast a full weeke, and
therafter to have the communioun upon the Lord's day following,
the 24th of Januar. In the end of the letter, he prayeth that
God may arise, and give hearts and hands to his owne.
A letter was sent from Geneve to the banished ministers, dated
the 26th of Januarie, wherin they make mentioun how the Bishop
of Sanct Andrewes had misinformed them, and condoled with ihem
the troublesome estate of their kirk.
NEW PRACTISES OF QUEENE MARIE DISCOVERED.
After that Sir William Waad, who was sent ambassader to
Spaine by Queene Elizabeth, was returned, he was sent to the
Queene of Scots, to conferre with her upon the meanes of her li-
bertie ; speclallie for a treatie to be had betuixt her and Sir Wal-
ter Mildmey, which had beene proponed two yeere before. Ther-
after, she sent to her Beale, to show unto her, that if she would
doe as she promised to Mr Waad, that is, interceed with her sonne
for the banished nobles, and that the Bishops of Rosse and Glas-
gow, her agents, sould not plott anie thing against her and her
countrie, she would send Sir Walter to bring that treatie to an
end. She answered, that what she had promised she had pro-
mised upon conditiouns, and was readie to perforrae, if the treatie
M'ent fordward. In the meane time, some terrours and feares
arise, speciallie by discoverie of papers which Father Crichton, a
Scotish Jesuit returning home to his owne countrie, but intercept-
ed by some Hollanders, tared in peeces, and throwed into the
sea; but were, by the force of the wind, blowne backe again to
the shippe, not without a miracle, as Crichton himself said. The
344 calderwood's iiistohie 1585.
papers were brought to Sir William Waad, and were joynned to-
gether again by his singular skill. It was found that they con-
teanned new practises of the Pope, the Spaniard, and the Guises,
to invade England. Wherupon, and becaus manie other rumors
of dangers increased, a great number throughout all England, of
all sorts of men, bound themselves by an associatioun, as then it
was called, by their mutuall promises, subscriptiouns of their hands
and scales, to prosecute to the death with all their poAver whoso-
ever sould attempt anie thing against the life of the queene. The
Erie of Leicester was supposed to be the author of this associa-
tioun. The Queene of Scotland tooke this, as devised to bring
her in danger. She sent to the queene her secretar, as some re-
port, and offered not to challenge anie right to the crowne of Eng-
land during her life ; to renounce the title and armes of England,
Avhich she had used at commandemcnt of Francis, her husband,
and to enter in that same associatioun, desiring that her sonne
might be joyned with her. Whether she made this offer in shew,
to cover her practises, or in earnest, finding her self in a strait, I
referre to the judgement of the reader. But George Carleton,
Doctor of Divinitie, and Bishop of Chichester, in his booke en-
titled, " A thankfull Remembrance of God's Mercie," &c., hath
these words : —
" The Scotish queene, led on by her blind guides, dealt som-
what rashlie, but with importunitie to the Pope and Spaniard, by
Sir Francis Inglefeild, that by all meanes they would with speed
undertake their intended bussinesse. There were some also that
laboured to draw Queen Elizabeth's affectioun altogether from the
Scotish queene. They told her, that Cardinall Allane, with the
English Catholicks ccclesiasticall, Inglefeild for the laicks, and for
the Queene of Scots the Bishop of Rosse, had imdertaikin, and
Avere amongst themselves agreed, and with the consent also of the
Pope and Spaniard, had fullie resolved upon these points : That
Queene Elizabeth sould be deprived of her kingdome ; the King
of Scots, as a manifest favourer of hei-esie, sould be utterlie disin-
herited of the kingdome of England. That the Scotish queene sail
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 345
marie some noble man of England Avbicli is a Catliollcke. Tliat
this man must be choosed King of England by the Catholicks of
England. That the choice so made must be confirmed by the
Pope. That the childrein of him so choosed, begottin of the Scot-
tish queene, must be declared succcssours in the kingdome. All
these things were confirmed to be ti'ue by the testimonie of Hart,
the preest. Who was this noble English man that sould marie the
Scotish queene was now muche enquired of. There was suspi-
cioun of Henrie Hawart, brother to the Duke of Norfolk, who was
noble by birth, unmaried, a favourer of that religioun, and in great
grace and favour with them."
In the meane time, Patrik, Maister of Gray, sent ambassader to
England under colovu' of border maters, being a Papist by religioun,
and thereby addicted to the king's mother and the Duke of Guise,
and privie to all secreet effaires, discovered manie of them to the
Queene of England.
The Laird of Drumquhassill, the Laird of Duntreth, the Laird
of Mains, were apprehended by Colonell Stewart, and brought to
Edinburgh.
DUNTKETH's DEPOSITIOUN at EDINBURGH CASTELL, 8 FEBRUARU,
THE YEERE OF GOD 1584, IN PRESENCE OF THE ERLE OF
ARRAN, CHANCELLER, THE ERLE OF MONTROSE, TREASURER,
SIR JOHN MATLANE OF THIRLSTANE, KNIGHT, SECRETAR, AND
ALEXANDER HAY, CLERK OF REGISTER.
" Sir James Edmistoun of Duntreth, knight, acknowledgino- how
farre he hatli offended Almightie God, and the king's Majestic his
soverane lord, in the long concealing of the most dangerous and
treasonable interprises devised and intended to be executed ao-ainst
his Hienesse' most noble person, by his rebels now remainino- in
England, declareth, that it was devised by them first to have made
a force of a thowsand or twelve hundreth hors, and with the same
to have come through the west of by Diilkeith, to
Halyrud hous, and, on the suddane, to have envirouned his Hie-
nesse' palace, and have beene masters of him and his companie.
346 caldeuwood's histokie 1585.
But becaus tliis interprise appeared to be subject to manic perrelk
and difficulteis, for that suche a companie could hardlie be assem-
bled witliout his Hienessc' intelligence, for resisting wherof a
greater companie might be gathered ; and that the pursuers' horses,
after so great a road, sould be wearie and unable to carie them away,
how ever the mater fell out, therefore, the secund purpose and de-
liberatioun was, to provide so muche money as might interteane
fourtie or threttie able men, unsuspected, that sould be directed to
await upon his Majestic in the feilds, Avhen his horse was souped,'
and he, single, and there take him and convoy him ather to the
hous of Dowglas or Cumlege ; or, failing therof, to Island
or Island Yernick, in Lochlowmont, there to be keeped, where the
rebels in England might come and receave him. But both their
other devices standing difficill, and longsome to be brought to
passe, through the sindrie impediments that might fall out, the
thrid and most dangerous enterprise for his Majestic was devised,
and thought most likelie to be putt in practise ; which this de-
ponent, upon the respect of his conscience to God, and for the
naturall ductie Avhich he oweth to his soverane lord, and in signe of
his penitence for so long concealing of so great and mischeevous a
treasoun, cannot keepe longer unreveeled, for the perell and danger
that, in default therof, may occurre. Therefore declareth, that the
thrid device and practise of the said rebels was, that when no
where the pidjlict force of a thowsand or twelve lumdreth horses
appearandlie could be had, nor yitt money nor men unsuspected, for
the executing of their secund device, the thrid sould be, that everie
one of the former principals, that is to say, the late Abbot of Abcr-
brothoke, the Erics of Angus and Marr, and Maister of Glames,
sould cast out of their owne companeis, everie one of them, two or
three, so that there sould be eight at least among the foure, everie
one of them appointing two ; and they, to convoy themselves in
the most secreit and quiet maner they could, to the toun or place
where his Majestic sould happin to make residence ; and if it could
no otherwise be, in begger's clothing ; and at the first possible com-
modltie everie one of them to preasse to slay his Hienessc, by shott
' Wearied.
15<S5. OF THE KIllK OF SCOTLAND. .'^>47
or other Avcnpoun. And to tliiit effect, to have tried horses of
prooffe, but so disguised, by cutting of their tails, mains, and eares,
that none souhl suspect they could be keeped for such a purpose :
and sould lurke in suche places of their freinds neere to his Ma-
jestie's residence, where they might be interteanned for twentie
or fourtie dayes, awaiting upon the commoditie to execute their
wicked attemptat ; and, failing of anie time and place, to have re-
course and seeke their advantage at anie other, by all meanes pos-
sible, wliereby they might accomplishe their haynous and most
treasonable interpi-ise ; and that, beeaus they saw no other meane
how to recover their livings and former estate but by cutting away
the king's person, during whose life they had no hope, by anie or-
dinate meane, to recover the same. For the which purpose, the
said Lord Abbot of Aberbrothoke sould appoint Robert Cunning-
hame Forret in Glasgow, and Ilammiltoun,
or two of them; for the late Erie of Angus, William Colvill, and
Hector Dowglas, called Red Eckie ; for the late Erie of Marr, Mr
James Areskine, Thomas Hume, and Edniistoun, or anie
two of them; for the late Maister of Glaimes, Andrew Rollocke,
and Johne Ker of Greenheed. All this was reported and declared
to the said Sir James, deponent, by Blacke Johne Hume of the
Law, who came twise to him, and first brought him a letter of cre-
dit from the Erie of Marr, and the like at the secund time.
"James Edmistoun of Duntreth, Knight.
"Montrose, witnesse. Huntlie, witnesse. Arran, witnesse.
Glencarne, witnesse. Thirlestane, witnesse. James, Lord
of Down, witnesse. Blaquhan, witnesse. Lochinvar,
witnesse. Bellendine, witnesse. Segy, witnesse."
MAYNES AND DRUMQUHASSILL EXECUTED.
The Laird of Drumquhassill and the Laird of Maynes were putt
to an assise. They denied they knew anie thing of the conspira-
cie alledged, wishing, notwithstanding, that wicked men Avere re-
348 calderwood's itistorie 1585.
moved out of the king's companle, who sought nothing but their
owne particular, with the ruine both of kirk and comnioun weale.
They purged themselves not onlic of all conspiracie against the
king, but also of knowledge of anie interprise against Arran or the
Coloncll. The assise, feai'ing an assise of errour, adjudged them to
be putt in the king's will. After they were condemned, Maynes
forbaad anie man to trow princes' words whose writt could not
bind them ; for he had shewed to the assise the king's letter writtin
to him, to desire him to come in, with promise to passe and repasse
without harme. They were executed upon the nynth of Februar,
at the Croce of Edinburgh. Great lamentatioun was made for them,
speciallie for Maynes, sonne-in-law to Drumquhassill. Drumquhas-
sill dranke a bitter cuppc of his owne brewing, for he was an ear-
nest dealer for the bringing home of Monsieur D'Aubigney.
THE LORDS REMOVE FROM NEWXASTELL.
After the executioun of Maynes and Drumquhassill, sindrie fled
for pretended treasoun, amongst whom was Mr David Hume, mi-
nister of Coldinghame. The lords went from Newcastell partlie
at the desire of her Majestic, partlie becaus they perceaved their
lying neere to the borders endangered their freinds. It was sus-
pected that the Malster of Gray had procured the queen's command
to that effect when he was at court. They stayed a moneth at
Norwiche, and therafter went to Londoun.
A SYNODALL ASSEMBLIE.
In Februarc there was a synodall assemblie holdin at Edinburgh,
where the Bishop of Sanct Andrewes was moderator, and twelve
or sixteene ministers choosed to be his counsellers. The ministers
were urged to take the care of three or foure kirks, which some of
then\ did for their belleis' sake.
About this same time, certan articles and injunctions, penned by
Secretar Matlane, were imposed upon the ministers to be subscribed
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 3-19
by tiiein, under paiiie of losse of tlielr stipend. Wherupon was sett
forth a libell ao;ainst Secretar Matlane, wherln Justice is brought in
lamenting, that one of Camelcon's clan, one of the disciples of
Matchiavell, had so great a place in the commouu wealth, to the
ruine of justice. The tenor of the articles followctli : —
ARTICLES TO BE OBSERVED BY ALL PREACHERS OF THE WORD,
AND OFFICE-BEARERS IN THE KIRK, WITHIN THIS REALJIE.
"All the preachers and office-bearers within the kirk, als v.eill
for conscience' sake as for their duetie, sail, with all huniilitie,
yeeld their obedience to the king's Majestic, and observe and obey
all his lawes and commandements made, and to be made, not di-
rectlie repugning to the writtin Word of God.
" They, nor none of them, sail pretend immunitie nor prlviledge
in their allegiance, nor appeale frome his Majestic to anie other
judge or jurisdictioun, for the triell, censure, or punishment of
Avhatsomever thing that in Avhatsomever place they speeke or doe,
that may concerne his Majestic in honour or suretie. And there-
fore they, nor none of them, sail meddle in maters of state or civil!,
beside their calling, but alwayes conteane themselves, both in life
and doctrine, within the bounds of their charge and functioun.
'•' And so they nor none of them sail publictlie rebooke, or in
anie wise revile his Majestie, nor declame against his Majestie's
persoun, estat, couiisell, or lawes ; but sail signifie their greeves to
his Majestie himself in privat, and crave most humblie remeed
therof, by tlie ordinarie and lawfull meanes.
" They and everie one of them sail, in publict doctrine and pri-
vat speeches, speeke reverentlie of his Majestie's persoun, counsell,
and lawes ; and, to their uttermost, travell to conteane the w hole
subjects in their due obedience to his Ilienessc, preache the same
at all occasiouns ; and what in them lyeth, to observe the publict
peace, and absteane from all things, als Aveill in doctrine as in ex-
emple, that may publictlie or privatlie, directlie or indirectlie, with-
draw the hearts of the people from tlie due obedience, love, and re-
350 calderwood's histouie 1585.
verence they ought to his Majestic, or that anie wise may tlisturbe
the commoun quietnesse.
" They sail absteane from all factioun, privie preachings by the
commoun order in piiblict or privat places, or anie suchc quiett con-
venticles, thereby to make anie of his Majestie's subjects conccave
that anie persecutioun is used or intended against them ; nor sail,
in anie wise, move them to a mislyking of anie of his proceedings.
'^ They, nor none of them, sail alledge the inspiratiouns of the
Holie Spirit, (except so forre as it agreeth -with tlie Holie Scrip-
ture,) ather when they are accused upon anie their facts and
speeches ; or when they Avill doe, or refuse to doe, suche things as
want expressc warrant of the Word so to doe, or so to refuse.
" But, by the contrare, when they offend, and are taxe'd therof,
not to be ashamed truelie to grant their offences as men, and hum-
blie crave pardoun as subjects ; nor serve themselves with the co-
lour of conscience, to doe or refuse these things that they want
o-ood reasoun for so to doe or refuse."
PARRYE S CONFESSION.
William Parry, Doctor of the Civill Lawes, was apprehended
and committed to tlie ToAvre, about the Dth of Februare, and was
arraigned the 25th of Februare at A^^estminster ; convicted of
treasoun for practising and intending to kill the queen. Edmond
Kevill, in his declaratioun made the 10th of Februar, subscrived
with his owne hand, sheweth, that when Parry would have en-
duced him to concurx'c Avith him in this devilisli plott, he reveeled
unto him three motives of his intcntioun : the replanting of the
Koman Catholick religioun, the preferring of the Scotish title, and
the advancement of justice. William Parry himself, in his owne
voluntarie confessioun before the Lord Hounsden, Lord Governour
of Berwick, Sir Christopher Hatton, knight, vice-chamberlane, Sir
Francis AValsinghame, knight, principal secretare, the loth of Feb-
ruare, declared, that when he was in Parise the last yeere, in Oc-
tober, Thomas Morgan, a Catholick gentleman, who was made
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 351
privie to his intentioun, assured him, that shortlie after his depart-
ure, the Laird of Phairnihirst, then resident in Parise, would goe
to ScotUmd, and be readie, upon the first newes of the queen's fall,
to enter in England with twentie or threttie thoAvsand men, to de-
fend the Queene of Scots. Parry was executed the 2d of Marche.
The Qnecne of Scots' caus was renewed in parliament npon the
25th of Februar, and the old reasons repeated and joynned to the
new, proving her guiltie of this, and all the rest of the conspiraceis
against her Majestic. She was committed by the parliament to a
faithfull and trustie knight. Sir Esnies PauUett, bccaus Sir Rawfe
Sadler was desirous to be rid of her.
SUBSCKIPTIOX.
Subscription going on apace : the exemples of Mr Craig and
Johne Brand had done muche ill. The Laird of Dun was a pest
then to the ministers in the North. Yitt a number stood out against
the subscriptioun : Mr Patrik Symsone, Mr Johne Hall, Mr Ro-
bert Pont, Mr Adam Johnstoun, INIr Thomas Makgie, Mr Johne
Knox, Mr William Cranston, Mr Robert Ker, George Johnston,
and sindrie others. The Presbyterie of Air subscrived after this
maner: "The first act of parliament, made the yeere 1584, we ap-
prove ; the thrid and fourth we damne as devilish, and expresse
against God's Word." They tooke instruments, that they sub-
scrived no otherwise. Wherupon their stipends were taikin from
them. About the same time, the king comming from hunting,
dranke to all his dogges, and, above the rest, to one of his dogges
called Tell-True, saying, " Tell-True, I drinke to thee above all the
rest of my hounds ; for I will give thee more credence nor ather
the bishop or Craig." This was the great accompt he made, ather
of the bishop or the subscrivers.
EDWARD AND JAMES CATHKIN EXILED.
Edward and James Cathkin, brcthrein, and burgesses of Edin-
352 CAi.DEiiwoooV-; iiistokie 1585.
burgh, being summouned before the Sccrclt Coiinscll, for makhig
some noise at the kirk-doorc, when the Bishop of Sanct Audrcwes
was at reading of the commoun prayers, fearing extremitie, fled to
Engknd, and remained at Newcastcll, Norwiche, and Londoun,
whether they arived the 4th of Marche. After their departure,
they were denounced rebels, and putt to tlie liorne.
Sir Lewes Bellendine, Justice-Clerk, was sent ambassader to
England, and came to Londoun the 24th of Februare. His message
was to procure hatred against the banished lords and ministers.
He caried with him the booke entituled, " The King's Declaration
of the late Acts of Parliament," which was reprinted at Londoun,
with some alteratioun and additloun, and a counterfoot epistle sett
before. Upon Thursday the 11th of Marche, one called Hume, a
servant to the Erie of Marr, and one called Ker, a servant to the
Maister of Glames, went to London, to purge themselves of the
crimes layed to their charge by the Justice-Clerk. Upon Thursday
the 1st of Aprile, the Erles of Angus and Marr and Maister of
Glames went to London. Within eight dayes after they were con-
fronted with the Justice-Clerk, before the Chanceller, Treasurer,
and Lord Hounsden. They elecred themselves Avorthille, the
Maister of Glames taking the specche in hand. The Justice-
Clerk craved of her Majestic that they might be wairded : they
desired the queen's declaratour tuiching their innocencie. It is
differed. They ly at Westminster.
ANSWERE TO THE JUSTICE-CLERK'S ACCUSATION.
" The three heeds wherupon avc were accused : First, that Avith
1200 men we sould have environed the Abbey, and seazcd upon
the king's Majestie's person ; which, bccaus of manie impediments,
tooke no effect. The Secund, that we sould have devised to have
interteanned fiftie men, who, when his Majestie's hors liad bcene
wearied at hunting, sould have layed violent hands upon his Ma-
jestie's owne person, and then convoyed him ather to the house of
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 353
Dowglas, Cumlege, or to an lie within Loclilowmont. But becaus
of delay of time, and impediments that occurred therupon, that we
tooke us to the Thrid, most pernicious of all ; to witt, that everie one
of us three, and the Abbot of Aberbrothocke, sould have suborned
two of our owne servants to kill his Hienesse' most sacred per-
son, they being disguised, and having swift hors to escape, when
they had accomplished their wicked purpose.
'* Our answere was to this effect, so farre as I remember : ' Sure-
lie the crimes are great wherewith we are charged, and so muche
the more greevous unto us, that nothing being left presentlie, by
the malice of our enemeis, wherof we are not spoiled, save onlie her
Majestie's good opinioun of us, and our owne honour, which both by
this one calumnie they thinke to deprive us of; alwise, we hope in
God the contrare effect sail prove, seing we have obteaned at her
Majestie's and your Honours' hands to be heard, before we be con-
victed ; which surelie we could never obteane in our owne countrie.
" ' But to come to this mater wherupon we are presentlie accused :
It is not unknowne unto your Honours, nather unto my lord am-
bassader, that, ever since the first arrivall of the Duke of Lennox
in Scotland, we that are heere present, and manie moe of the no-
bilitie, seing the imminent danger to religioun, the perell wherin
his Majestie's owne person was, and the dissolutioun of the amitie
betuixt these two natiouns to be aimed at, sought by all lawfull and
ordinarie meanes to remove suche pernicious counsellers from about
his Majestic, as it became loyall and faithfull subjects to have done.
What we had for us that they shott at this marke, by God's grace,
heerafter, when as we enter in the apologie and defence of our cans,
sail be made cleere.
" ' But becaus we are presentlie to answere to accusatiouns layed
out against us, we will not trouble your Honours therewith. It
pleased God, for a certane time, to remove suche counsellers from
his Majestic ; at which time, we that are heere present remained
continuallie with his Majestic. And time and occasioun served us,
if ever we had anie suche malicious and wicked purposes in our
thought?, to have accomplished them then, without danger. And
VOL. IV. 7*
354 calderwood's historie 1585.
heerin, ray lord ambassader, we call you to beare Avitnesse, as
■who is sent by his Majestic, our maister, to have the truthe tried,
if ever, during the time of our remaining with his Majestic, yce saw
in us anie uncomelie deed, or unrevcrent word toward his Majes-
tic ; yea, or if ever our encmie was so impudent, as to accuse us of
anie suche misbehaviour. It is true, it was then layed to our charge,
that we sould have betrayed him for money to her Majestic ; and
now, we are burthenned to goe about to sceke his Hienesse' life,
when nather time nor occasioun serveth to accomplishc anie suche
wicked purpose. How likelie this is, your Honours may easilie
judge. Nather speeke we this, to the end that our loyaltie and
good service, in times past, sould be an excuse for anie treasoun
now devised by us ; but at the least, it may appeare probablie, that
having the same caus then as now, and occasioun rainistred to us
without danger, to accomplishc our purpose, and not doing the
same, nather intending it, it was not likelie that ever suche barba-
rous crueltie sould liave sunke in our hearts, when, without danger,
we could not have accomplished our purpose, nather without perpe-
tuall infamie lived theraftcr.
" 'It is true, we must confesse, that if time and occasioun
had served us heeretofore, that wc might have removed suche
pernicious counsellers from his Majestic, who yitt shott at the
same marke, we know we sould have done good service to his
Majestic, and both these natiouns, ever keeping this in mc-
morie, that as the end wherat we shott is godlie and honest,
so the middes by which we sould workc, to be godlie, law-
full, and honest, and without danger to his Majestie's sacred per-
soun. What we have for us, that these men prosecute the self-
same course where the others left off, by God's grace heercafter
sail be declared to your Honours, &c. In respect, therefore, of the
evill offices which these men have done, and doe dayhe, both in
generall unto our natioun, and in particular unto our self, we trust
your Honours will not burthein us to make anie purgatioun unto
them, whatsomever our intentioun hath beene. Although that we
may cleere our selves, yitt scing how prejudicial! it is unto the caus,
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 355
and hurtfull unto our owne honours, looke not to be burthenned
therewith. But as concerning anie thing meant against the king's
Majestic by us, ather directlie or indirectlie, we sail not onlie be
answerable since our comming to England, but since our youth to
this day.
" 'There are three accusatiouns layed out against us. The two first
alledgod to be practises devised by us ; and becaus of the midds and
Impediments that fell therin, was not able to be brought to execu-
tioun. The thrid, a treasoun devised by us, and had beene accom-
plished, if It had not beene reveeled. As to the first. If we had
come where his Majestic had beene, with few or manic, desiring
our selves to have beene heard, and moved his Hienesse by good
reasoun to have removed suche wicked counsellers from his com-
panie, without anie violence, surelle we had done his Majestic good
service, and had beene answerable for the same, by all lawes. But
to answere directlie, and not to trouble your Honours what we
might doe of law, we never devised anie suche purpose. As to the
secund. How it Is layed to our charge, that we sould have had fif-
tie horsemen, and layed violent hands on his Majestic, and brought
him to some of the houses or places alledged, we answere, that If
anie falthfull subject on foote or hors, manic or few, might move
his Hienesse to see the danger and perell Imminent, by these who
are with him, to his owne person, and that countrle, and heerupon
moved his Majestic with good reasoun to withdraw himself from
that companle, to anie place sure for his Majestie's owne person,
till suche time as his Majestie's loyall and falthfull subjects, of whose
good service he hath had experience, might come to him, we know,
they had done God, his Majestic, and both these realmes, good ser-
vice. But to answere directlie to our accusatloun, w^e never devised
anie suche purpose. As to the thrid, Surelle we abhorre to speeke
of It, and esteeme, if ever It had come to our thought, muche
lesse to have beene spokln with our mouth, or executed by our de-
vice, that we were not worthie to live or to receave aire, muche
lesse to be interteaned within her Majestie's dominlouns. And so
S56 calderwood's iiistorie 1585.
"we thinke the thought of it, lett be the word or deid, is crime
eneugh, if it could be proved.'
" It was answered to us, as I remember, that for the verifeing
therof, and speciallie of the first two heeds, there was the Laird of
Duntreth's depositioun, the speeche dcHvered by one Kobert Ham-
miltoun of Inchemauchane, and the Lairds of Drumquhassill and
Maynes' executioun for the same ; and letters alledged to the same
effect, sent by some of us, to the Laird of Duntreth, by one Johne
Hume. Wherupon we were demanded, if we sent anie letters to
the Laird of Duntreth. Our answere was : To that point toward
our letters, that since our comming in England, the whole good
men in our countrie being miscontent, we receaved confort of
manie, and manie receaved the like of us. But that ever we sent
anie letters to these effects, or anie other that might import hurt to
his Majestic, we never sent anie to the laird nor no other. It was
then demanded, if we sent anie to Duntreth at all ? Our answere
was, that although it was no fault to us to send letters into Scot-
land, so they were not prejudicial! to hisMajestie's owne estat, yitt,
suche was the violence of our enemeis, that if anie receaved a
coramendatioun from us, they were straight way executed ; for
verifeing therof, I declared the executioun of David Hume. So
that their Honours behoved to beare with us, although we answere
not in that point, whether we sent letters or not, or unto whome ;
for there is a great difference to send letters into Scotland, and to
send anie to that effect. So, least by purging of our selves, we ap-
peare to accuse others, wc behoved to absteane from answering
unto that point. As to the prooffes layed out against us, we de-
sired, that ather at that time or therafter, my lord ambassader
would declare what were the depositiouns of the Lairds of Drum-
quhassill and Maynes. And therupon he declared, that the Laird
of Maynes denied ever knowledge of anie suche purpose, but was
convicted upon a practise conspired against the Lord Chanceller of
Scotland, the Erie of Arran, as he reported. So that we made no
answere, becaus it was impertinent to us, and we were not ac-
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 357
cused therof. As to the Laird of Drumquhassill, he said, he was
convicted upon his owne confessioun of foreknowledge and conceal-
ing the purpose, wherunto he said he never consented. But in re-
spect he charged not us of having intelligence with Drumquhassill
upon these maters, it was impertinent to us to answere thereto, al-
though we heard say that Drumquhassill past with another resolu-
tioun to death. But this muche we answered, ' De iis qui non sunt
et non extant, idem est judicium^ As to Robert Hammiltoun, we
knew not suche a man, and heard nothing but his name nominated ;
and so could do nothing but denie therin ; for we never knew, had
to doe, nor dealt with suche a man, nor none at our command.
As to the Laird of Duntreth, surelie I know him not weill. But
this we know him, to professe himself plainlie the Duke of Lennox
his man, who brought a commissioun frome the Duke of Lennox
to the king's Majestic, that time the duke was removed from his
Hienesse ; with great vehemencle delivered the same, held his lands
of him, receaved good deid of him, was in good favour and credit
with him, was made knight when he was made duke, as we under-
stand; is in blood joynned to the Erie of Montrose, whose uncle
hath marled his sister, and is deteaned in the hands of our enemeis ;
wherof, if ather by violence this be drawin out of him for feare of
his life, ather by perswasioun he be induced to speeke this, or if he
hath spokin it at all, or if anie other passioun hath overtane him, we
trust so muche in his owne honestie, that if he were heere present,
he would never say that we devised anie suche purpose. And if
he were induced therunto, what the testimonie of one man could
prove, your Honours know.
" As to the thrid, it was alledged, that we onlie used a single
negatioun in so great maters and so cleere ; for verificatioun wher-
of, he alledged that the Laird of Duntreth, looking for nothing but
present death, after his first confessioun, and finding himself greeved
in conscience, reveeled this last and barbarous crueltie conspired
against his Majestic. Who being brought In judgement, where he
was convicted, before his conviction, this his confessioun of his fore-
said knowledge of this last treasoun being read out in the audience
358 calderwood's historie 1585.
of five thousand persons, and knowledge therof comming to us, we
absented Joline Hume therupon. So that the confessiouu of the
Laird of Duntreth, and the fleing of Johne Hume, that tooke the
deid upon him, for not-compeerance, sould serve against us for two
witnesses ; and so it was sufficientlie proved. It was answered,
that in maters that w^e knew not, we could say no more but
denie. As to the probatiouns by him allcdged concerning the
Laird of Duntreth, we made answere, that we were so niuche
perswaded of our owne innocencie, and of his honestie, whatsoever
he be, that if he might be brought heere, and there confronted
with us, he sould never stand by suche a depositioun ; or,
if he did, it sould evidentlie appeare that he had never anie
thing of us for the snme. Heerupon having nothing left but
our lives and honours, we offer to ingadge the same, if ever
he might be confronted with us, that we sould appeare inno-
cent to all men ; and heerupon, earnestlie insisted that Duntreth
might be brought to be confronted with us ; for we are assuredlie
perswaded, that suche a fact as this could never sinke in anie
Christian breast. As to Johne Hume, it is not unknowne to your
Lordships, that we were not able to interteane our whole companie
in these parts, and heerupon left manie of them, and him among the
rest, to see what they could doe for themselves, at our com-
ming furth of Newcastell, not knowing at that time anie suche
purpose as this to be layed to his charge. Suche as we had
with us, we have exhibited them all ; becaus we were not able
to interteane him and others Avith us, and they are past away in
suche place as we know not, and are not able presentlie to pro-
duce them. Whatsomever sail be allcdged in their names against
us, to take their absence as a prooffe against us, we thinke your
Honours will not esteeme it equitable : for there are of these that
are in this depositioun, some in France and some in Spaine, and
have beene there this yeere and more, whom we are not able
to produce. And yitt they are alledged to be executioners of
this barbarous fact ! Suche is the stuffe that is layed out against
us.
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 359
" Heerunto my lord ambassader replyed, that it came a moncth
to om* knowledge, before Johne Hume departed furtli of our
companie. Wherunto was answered, the contrarie was most cer-
tane. Therupon be called furtb his servant, and brought furth
Dunlreth's first depositioun, as he said, which was of the eight day
of Februarie. So that his convictioun behoved to be at the soon-
est the 9th or 10th of the same raoneth ; which day we answered,
that we came furth of Newcastell, and alledged, that we had writ-
tin the same to her Majestic, and some of the Secreit Counsell,
which we observed preciselie. The ambassader then said, it was
the tenth of Marche that we removed. Wherunto we answered,
that we were in Stamefoord the time of his comming, which was in
Februarie; that we were in Cambridge the time of the com-
mercements, which was in Februarie also; that we came to Nor-
wiche, as we remember, the 28th of Februarie. So that, departing
furth of Newcastell the 10th of Februarie, at what time Johne
Hume departed from us, it was manifest that Duntreth's convic-
tioun could not come to our knowledge, nather his depositioun,
wherupon we sould have absented Johne Hume. But the veritie
of all these maters would easilie appeare if Duntreth were heere
produced, and we and he were confronted."
THE B.\NISHED LORDS MADE THEIR APOLOGIE LIKEWISE TO THE
KING, IN THE SUPPLICATION FOLLOWING : —
« Albeit the dutifull reverence which we, your Majestie's sore
distressed, most humble, and most loving subjects, sail ever beare
to your royall name, hath in time past, and to this houre, with mo-
destie moved us to keepe silence, the manifold wrongs that we and
our freinds have receaved by suche as make, and have made open
professioun, at all times to be our eneraeis, yitt their present
dealing full of deceate, and the detestable crime wherewith they
studie now most wrongfullie to burthein us, doeth constraine us, in
all humilitie, to lay open before your Majestic our innocencie, to-
o-ether with suche deceatefuU meanes as they have used, and still
t3
360 calderwood's historie 1585.
doe prosecute, to abuse your Ilicncsse' good naturall, to turne your '
native clemencie in displeasure, and exasperat your wrathe not on-
lie against us, but also against our frcinds, and all other suchc good
subjects of that your Majestie's reahnc, as they can imagine, may
be able to informe your Hienesse, to Avhat dangerous end their
practises, full of deceate and crucltie, doc tend. We are accused
presentlie, by a depositioun givin out under the name of the Laird
of Duntreth, of a most odious conspiracie intended against your
Hienesse' person, wherof, our eternall God knoweth, we are most
innocent. Yea, we renounce His mercie at that great day of
judgement, if ever anie suche abominable treasoun for destroying
your Majestie's most noble persoun was precogitat, muche lesse con-
cluded, by anie of us : for declaring heerof, we most humblie pray
your iMajestie to consider the rcasouns following : — First, That to
this houre ifc hath never beene heard, that anie professour of the
true reformed religioun, howsoever they have beene persecuted, have
lifted hand against the sacred person of their anointed prince ; no,
although he had beene of a contrarie religioun. And, therefore,
we being, through God's electioun, called to that true professioun,
if anie suche desperat and odious preparative sould beginne in us,
then were we, of all flesh living, most unhappie, and most aban-
donned of God, speciallic, having a soverane of one religioun with
us, and of so great expectation.
" Nixt, insorauche as Ave impute nothing to your Majestic of all
the calamiteis fallin upon us, but acknowledge our sinnes justlie to
have procured the same at the hands of God, who hath stii'red up
some few meane persons, seeking their owne particular preferment,
to persecute and humble us so farre furth as pleaseth him by his
irreprehensible counsell to give them power ; seing, indeid, we im-
pute not this unto your Majestic, (of whose naturall clemencie we
cannot doubt, howsoever by their violence and malice the same for
a time be obscured,) but unto suche instruments as being of them-
selves poore wretches, had no moyen but by our destructions to
be exalted : the cace so standing, Avhat probabilitie is there that we
sould have revenging mindes contrarc your Majestic, Avhom we
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. S&l
esteeme Innocent of all that hath proceeded against us? Yea,
most noble soverane, although we were assured that your Majestie,
without suggestloun of our enemeis, had cast us in this pitifull
estate, yitt would we not, for all the kingdoms in the world, once
lift our hand against your sacred person, knowing that you are
anointed of the Lord, his principall lieutenant within that natioun,
and that he can change your heart at his pleasure, to the confort
of suche as in patience and humilitie can abide His leasure. The
whole number that hath latelie suffered in that land hath died with
this resolutioun ; and we hope in God, whether we live or dee, to
carie no other minde. And albeit we might most justlie for our
purgatioun alledge the good affectioun and zeale that we ever had
to your Majestie's service, yitt will we not goe about by our loyal-
tie past, or by generall presumptiouns, to excuse ourselves in this
present, or anie other accusatioun: nather will we insist muche
upon suche frivolous calumneis as by these forgers have beene most
unjustlie objected against us and other innocents at sindrie times
heertofore, which were givin out, and printed for undoubted truthes.
As when it was constantlie affirmed by our said enemeis, that be-
fore our removing out of Scotland we were corrupted with English
gold, and altogether addicted to her Majestie there without respect
to our naturall allegiance to your Hienesse ; whereby not only we,
but also her Majestie, who hath beene under God your onlie pre-
server, was most unjustlie slandered ; in respect her Hienesse hath
never sought in anie way to diminishe your power by alienating
your subjects' hearts from you ; but contrariwise, hath largelie im-
ployed her substance and subjects for your preservatioun, and oft
hath united together their distracted mindes in mutuall concord,
thereby the more to strenthen and confirme your estate, wherof her
Majestie gave good prooffe at sindrie times ; speciallie at the pacifi-
catioun takin by her at Sanct Johnstoun, the day of
when as the one half of your Majestie's realme was in armes
against the other, and could not be pacified but by her mediatioun.
Moreover, it is not a yeere past since they informed your Majestie
that a gentleman of good credit, of whose fidelitie we are assured
362 calderwood's iiistoeie 1585.
your Hienesse hath no suspicioun, was deliberated to slay your
Majestic by shott. How untruclie and maliciouslie that slander
was invented is now Aveill knowne to your Majestie. Did they
not also, iminediatelie after the execution of the Erie of Gowrie,
divulgat brutes that he had confessed both against himself and
against us, that we had a conspiracic against the persons of your
Majestie, and the queene your mother, to have beene performed at
a time ? This was published with suche impudencie, that they
were not ashamed to cans affirme the same to her Majestie ; albeit
the truthe was, that the said erle at his last word protested solemn-
lie, that he had reveeled nothing prejudiciall to anie man, nather
knew anie mater tending to our discredit ; confessing allanerlie
that he had intentioun to see the evill companie seperated from
your Majestie, who, by their crueltie and violence, brought your
Majestie's name and expectatioun in some disgrace among your
good subjects and forraine estats. And not long agoe it was al-
ledged that one George Drummond had reveeled a conspiracie
against your Majestie's person, wherof we were participant, as was
alledged ; and promise was made that the said George sould be
exhibited for verificatioun therof before the Lord Hounsdane, Lord
Governour of Berwick. But to this houre he never compcered.
Nather did his depositioun prove anie tiling against us, as is evi-
dentlie knowne to all that have perused the same.
" With a number of suche calumneis have we beene traduced,
which we omitt least we sould seeme tedious, returning to the pre-
sent accusatioun, which is of no better stuffe nor the former ; for,
as concerning the Laird of Duntreth, deponer, although his testi-
monie against us be manie wayes suspicious, yitt we trust so
muche in his honestie, and in our owne innocencie, that if he were
not in the hands of our speciall enemeis, where ather threatning,
prayer, or some other infirmitie transporting him, niaketh him, as
appeareth, to forgett himself; or if he were confronted with us, he
would be ashamed to pronounce so manifest an untruthe. It is
Weill knowne to your Majestie, that admitting the said laird ather
by feare, infirmitie, or anie other cans, had deponed as is alledged,
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 303
yitt his (lepositioun is nothing but rehearsall of a mater proponed
to him by Johne Hume, that is to say, Narratio narrationis ; which
before no judge is able to prove the debt of a shilling, muche lesse
to condemne men in a mater of lese-majestie. Your Majestic also
Weill understandeth that of the lawes of your realme, that a sin-
gular witnesse will not be sufficient to prove in civill causes, na,
not against the poorest cative of your land ; muche lesse ought the
frivolous assertioun of a singular man, specking of heare-say, be able
to tak away the life, whole heritage, fame, and reputatloun of an-
cient barons for ever, as hath beene of late practised upon the
Lairds of Drumquhassill and Maynes, who, as we are Informed,
immediatlie before their suffering, openlie upon the scaffold re-
nounced the mercie of God if ever they intended anie violence
against your Majestle's person, notwithstanding anie depositloun
givin out in the contrarie. Yitt suche was the rage of their and
our enemels, that it behoved them to dee. We leave It to your
Majestle's discrelt conslderatioun to judge whether the last words
of two suche gentlemen, immediatlie before their death, or the de-
positloun of a singular man guarded by our enemels, and keeped
alive, be of greater force and sufficiencle. Moreover, the persons
nominated in the said depositloun who sould, as therin Is alledged
by their oathes, taikin in hand to Invade your Majestle's person,
some have beene this yeere past In Spaine, some in France, and
yitt there remaine some, were not into our companie these three
yeeres past ; and others remaine, as we believe, within Scotland,
and may be easilie apprehended, and tried upon that mater. By
which reasoun, your Majestic may weill perceave the improbabllitie
and untruthe of this accusatloun. But leaving all these exceptiouns,
that our Innocencie may the more plalnlle appeareto your Majestic
and all other princes, we have offered our selves, and all that are
in our companie, to be tried heere before your HIenesse' ambas-
sader, by all kinde of ordinarie triells that are used among other
natiouns, if we ever intended anie suche mater against your sacred
persoun. And farther, we protest before Almightle God, that no
suche mater ever entered in any of our mindes, as these malicious
enemeia have forged against us ; as we hope your Majestic sail
364 calderwood's historie 1585.
more fullie understand heeraftcr, when as we sail be called to our
triell.
" But for so muche that in this mater (as in all others) they make
your name, by abusing therof, to serve their violent appetite, and
to be wrongfuUie slandered among all natiouns, for using greater
rigour than anie prince, professour of the reformed religioun, hath
heeretofore beene in use to doe ; where as indeid the truthe is, that
your Majestic is innocent of anie suchc violence, as would plainlie
appeare, if your Hienesse were suffered to follow your owne good
naturall altogether givin to princelie clemencie. Which good
qualitie these men travell by all their doings to have altered, to the
end, as appeareth, that your royall name may be made odious to
your owne subjects, other natiouns, and forrane princes, and by
consequence, more easie to be endangered by them who have your
whole foretresses and strenths in their possessioun, if at anie time
your Majestic sould be contrarious unto their disordered appetite.
For who knoweth not that the strenth of all princes of that your
Majestie's realme hath consisted in two things, whereby they were
able to defend themselves against suche inconveniences as the rest
of your Hienesse' ancestors have beene subject unto ? One was,
the loving obedience of their subjects, procured by clemencie, and
not by crueltie. The other was, reteaning of the principall for-
tresses of the realme in their owne hands. Of which both, how
farre they have deprived your Majestic (so farre furth as in them
lyeth) is manifest : for what estat in that land is free from their
violence, executed under the pretext of your Majestie's authoritie ;
speciallie, upon the professors of the true religioun, and suche as
have served your Majestic most worthilie when your crowne and
life was in most danger ? Of which number, the greatest part, upon
frivolous causes, and suche calumneis as are before rehearsed, are
ather imprissouned, banished, executed, or forfaulted, and their
possessiouns converted to the use of some poore wretches of ob-
scure linage, and not borne to a foote breadth of ground. And the
•whole strenths of your realme, are they not in their hands who brag
to be descended of Duke Murdo ? If so be or not, we know not.
But we would wishe them to be more faithfull to your Majestic
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 3G5
nor their forbeares (of whom they ostent so muche) was to some
of your ancestors. We pray God Almightie tymouslle to open
your Majestle's eyes, to foresee these imminent dangers, lyke as
we for our part, if we had our former abilitie, would be carefull to
prevent the same, if so were your Majestie's good pleasure.
" These their deceatfull practises being now cleerlie detected to
the whole world, and your Majestie's honour, name, and peraoun,
brought to extreme danger, have moved us with dolorous hearts,
in all humilitie, for expressing that duetifuU affectioun which we
sail ever beare toward your Hienesse, and for declaring of our in-
nocencie by this our most humble supplicatioun, humblie to intreate
your Majestic, in the name of Him who is the righteous Judge,
who hath adorned your Majestic with crowne and scepter to no
other end, but in equitie to judge and raigne, that it may please
God, your Majestic once to consider of our oppressiouns, and to
putt an end to our calamiteis, that your Majestic may be found
guiltlesse (before that high Judge, in that dreadful day) of all the
efFusioun of blood and violence that hath beene undeservedlie ex-
erced against us. And seing in time past, against all good reasoun,
we have beene esteemed guiltie of sindrie maters wherof we Avere
most innocent, onlie becaus we had no place to answere for our
selves ; and that it hath beene thought sufficient allanerlie to ac-
cuse at times and places, when and where, we, moved with that
just feare that may fall in the most constant, durst not compeere ;
seing, we say, by this hard forme of proceeding, no man can de-
clare himself innocent, therefore, above all, we most humblie pray
your Majestic, for remeed therof, appoint some indifferent and
peaceable of your nobilitie and counsell to hearc us in places Avhere,
without danger of our lives, we may resort ; where we trust her
Majestic will have some authorized with her Hienesse' commissioun
to see us disburthein our selves of all calumneis objected against
us, according to our promise to her Hienesse. Which being grant-
ed, we hope in God so to manifest our innocencie before them,
that both your Majestic sail thereby understand us to have beene
most wrongfullie persecuted, and her Hienesse sufficientlie per-
366 calderwood's historie 1585.
s waded, that wc have affirmed no more before this her Majestie's
honorable estate, concerning our loyaltie toward your Majestic,
than we sail be able to prove indeid. In prosecuting hecrof, since
all our freinds are ather prohibited, or ellis so discredited that they
have no accesse to deale for us, we trust that your Majestic will
not be offended, that we solicite her Majestic, who hath beene
your onlie preserver under God, (if so be her pleasure,) to interceed
for us. Unto whom, we pray God, your Majestic doe the office
of a loving kinsman, as she hath not spaired liberallie both her
treasure and blood of her subjects for your preservatioun. So,
wishing to your Hienesse all felicitie needfull to your royall estat,
we most humblie crave your gracious answere."
THE KING BANKETTED IN DIRLTON.
The pest brake up in Edinburgh the 1st of May, in the Flesh
Mercat Closse, by the infectioun of a woman, who had beene in
Sanct Johnstoun, where the plague was. The king road the same
day to Dirleton to a sumptuous banket prepared by the Erie of
Arran. The king remained at Dirleton twelve dayes. There were
in companie with him Arran, Sir Robert Melvill, Secretar Matlane,
Phairnihirst, Colonell Stewart, and the Maister of Gray. They
passed the time with the play of Robinhood. After the bankett
was ended, Arran fell deidlie sicke.
The Justice-Clerk taketh journey from Londoun homeward the
10th of May. Sir Philip Sydney was sent upon the 12th of May
from the queene to the banished lords, to desire them to be of good
confort, and to assure them of her good affectioun. He willed
them to advise upon their petitiouns, which they would have pre-
sented to her Majestic, who was to be at Westminster the week
following. One of their number is appointed to confer upon their
petitiouns with Secretar Walsinghame. In the meane time, they
keeped a fast in their loodging at Westminster. Mr Walter exer-
cised before noone upon the 58th of Isay ; Mr Johnc Davidsone
afternoone upon Ezechiel xi. ver. 14, 15.
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 367
MR JAMES CAUMICHAELL PRESENTED THE LETTER FOLLOWING TO
SECRETAR AVALSINGHAME UPON THE 26TH OF MAY, IN GREENE-
AVICHE : —
" To the Riglit Honorable Sir Francis Walsingliame, Knight,
principal! Secretar to the Queen's Majestic of England,
J. C, in the behalfe of manie, wishe perpetuall felicitie
through Christ Jesus.
" As everie one of us in particular was affrayed heeretofore to
bereave anie time fi'om these weightie efFaires of estate of moe
kingdoms than one, wherewith your Honour was alwayes im-
peshed, so now, at last, there is imponed (as it were a certane ne-
cessitie to one) to discharge this duetie, least, as uncivill and un-
grate ghuests, we sould all seeme to depart hospite insolutato. For
seing we have in good maner enjoyed libertie and life under her
Majestie's princelie protectioun since that time we were compelled
upon just feare, qui potest cadere in constantissimos quosque, to use
the libertie permitted to the apostles, and sanctified by command
and exemple of Christ, our Master, we thought we could not es-
cape tlie note of ingratitude if Ave sould not with all earnestnesse
crave this humble significatioun of our thankfull hearts to be made
unto her Majestic by your Honour's mediation, at the best oppor-
tunitie, in all our names. And whereas we have no curious words
in store to expresse our duetifull meaning, being more acquainted
to bleddcr in simpllcitie unto the rude countrie people, than to de-
light Avith painted colours of rhetorick the sacred cares of princes,
we heartilie implore your Honour to supplee this naturall defect in
us, with your owne accustomed and court-like ornaments : Beseech-
ing His Majestic, of whose fulnesse all grace, as from a fountane,
doeth flow, to requite in deed whatsoever laiketh in both our words ;
and to grant unto her Majestic a long and prosperous raigne, in
His true faith, feare, and love, als weill to the confort of all other
reformed churches distressed through Christendome, as cheefelie of
368 CALDEItWOOD's IIISTOKIE 1585.
her owne good subjects. Nixt, if we sould not acknowledge our
particular obligatioun unto your Honour, by whose favourable
countenance als weill to the commoun cans as our privat fame
hath beene vindicated from manie calumneis, we might most just-
lie incurre no small reproachc. But when our thought-thankes, or
this shadowed utterance of our good will, are of no worthie weight
to counterpace the smallest part of these and other Christian cour-
teseis and undeserved huraanitie, it may please your Honour to
suffer patientlie your name ly still in our register, for all the rest,
to move us a-fresh to intreate the Lord of lords long to continue
heere in health and weelefare suche a patron for his poore afflicted
people ; and at last, to crowne this glance of glorie with heavenlie
honour amongst his holie angels.
" How readie we were, sindrie dayes, awaiting to answere what-
soever by word, writt, and print, from diverse places were objected
against us, and to purge ourselves of all sinistrous suspiciouns con-
ceaved, least the Gospell in our persons, who were called to be
preachers therof, by forged cavillatiouns sould have susteaned anie
slander ; and how that confronting, earnestlie wished by us, was
cast off, being promised by them who privilie did speeke muche,
and yitt, when it came to the verie moment of meeting, said they
had no commissioun to accuse us, we hope the right honorable
and noble lord, the Erie of Leicester, will long remember, and
your Honour will not soone forgett. Since which time, we have
conteaned our selves in longer silence than the injurie of that time
and other circumstances required ; not onlie leaning with testi-
monie of good conscience to the equitie of our cans, but also repos-
ing our selves in the greater securitie, cheefelie for that we were
not ignorant how that your Honour (from whose intelligence no-
thing in that mater could be hid) did livelie espy with what craft
and countenance the truthe and our integritie had beene traduced.
In the meane time, your Honour can beare faithfuU record that we
did not ceasse to crave all convenient and ordinarie meanes to
make our owne apologie, not doubting, whensoever we sould have
beene admitted thereto, to have made no lesse our owne conscience,
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 369
than the perellous platts and subtile practises of these late dis-
turbers of our church and countrie, the better to have appeared in
their owne colours, to the full satisfactloun of all good men, and
stopping of the mouths of manie, to whom (as yitt) that caus is
not throughlie knowne ; yea, moreover, to have proved evidentlie
that we had beene obedient and duetifull subjects to our soverane,
the king's Majestic, and to have committed nothing contrare to his
honour, nor quietnesse of his royall estate, whatsoever the adver-
sars of the truthe, after their wounted manor, did prattle in the
contrare, (unlesse to pray unto God to avert, and to forewame our
flockes to prevent, the cruell course knowne and felt by all our
senses against our kirk, our king, our countrie, and commoun con-
cord of both the kingdoms, be concluded to be unduetifuU dealing;)
as also, so bent furtherers and fosterers (within the compasse of
our calling) of the said amitie, impugned and undermynned by
them who cunnlnglie pretended the contrarie, that if our affectioun
had beene als farre inclynned to other forrane factiouns, we needed
not to have susteanned their wrathe so long before nor after our
exile.
" Which things, as the righteous Judge, with greater warrant and
justificatloun, hath of his mercie detected, (not distrusting, but in
time, the tryer of truthe, they sail be yitt more cleerelie manifest-
ed,) so we are to pray his gracious goodneese, who hath removed,
in a part, the feare of good men in our countrie, to perfyte that
worke to his owne glorie ; and as He hath the hearts of princes in
his hands, to move their Majesteis to judge no otherwise of it than
of a miraculous worke of his wounted mercie toward that church,
and of a caus so neerelle, and almost equallie, tulching the peace of
all who have glvin their names to Christ, by embracing of his
Gospell, whcrof the continuance and prosperous successe bringeth
their commoun benefite ; like as the disappointment carieth a com-
moun confusioun, if not utter wracke, to all ; and in respect therof,
to kindle their hei"oicall courage, but especiallie of both the noble
princes of this He, at least through the exemple of the princes of
darkenesse, to associat their counsells, and amasse their forces
VOL. IV. 2 A
370 calderwood's historie 1585.
against their commoim enemeis, to the beating doun of that Roman
Antichrist, and his supposts, confederats of that cruell Councell of
Trent, preassing, in great rage, to prove their pith at their last
gaspe, and when they behold their kingdome draw so neere to
their irrevocable mine ; and that with speed, and in due time,
least, through their lingering and sleuthfull negligence, not onlie the
wounded head of that Italian beast beginne again to be cured, to
their particular prejudice, but also, his homes be more highlie
exalted than without great eftusioun of Christiane blood can be
easilie abated. The burthein will not be heavie to be borne with
concurrence ; but being rejected on the weake shoulders of the one
halfe, when they succurabe, the poAver and courage of the victors
increassing, the number and force of freinds decreassing, the be-
holders must become (although too, too late) actors in that tra-
gedie.
" Wherefore, (right honorable,) seing this Lord hath sett you in
that high place for suche a time, wherin your faithfull counsell may
serve in these good offices, espeeiallie with her Majestic, on whom
all the rest of reformed princes have their eyes fixed to follow as a
pattern e, or rather as a chiftane, with whom their Majesteis will
ather goe softlie, or mnne a pace, we are, in God's name, most
humblie to beseeche your Honour not to spaire to imploy your
whole witt and credit in this caus of Christ and worthie service of
his church, so inseparablie knitt with the tranquillitie of all Christ-
ian comraoun wealths ; committing the issue of your diligent tra-
vells to His blessing, who can direct them to the right end, and
make them fruictfull to His glone, and riche rccompence of the in-
strument. But cheefelie, as our duetie naturallie bindeth us, we
beseeche your Honour to continue your wounted favour with the
weake instruments conjoyned in the good caus of our church and
countrie, so long as they abide constant in God, in the obedience
of their soverane, and good lyking of the freindship betweene the
two crownes. The querrell. Sir, yee know, is not new for their
owne particular, but that same which hath beene these 28 yeeres
commoun to both the realmes, against the enemeis of the Evangell,
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 371
the old invaders, and continual! invyers of our peace, sattled
amongst us by the benefite of the Gospell. And albeit it sould
fall out, in prosecuting therof, that there be no laike of niuche dis-
lyking, yitt, Sir, lett nather the malice of manie, the hatred of
some, ingratitude of others, nor anie crossing thwarts heere or
there, coole your courage, uor make your heart remisse, or wearied
of this workc, (avIucIi the Lord sail advance in despite of his ene-
meis,) untill you obteane that crowne promised to constant per-
severers, which, by so Avorthie wrastling alreadie, hath weill beene
merited, remembring that good causes in all ages are like unto
themselves ; different from the bad in this and manie moe points,
that in weakenesse they vanquishe in the strenth of the Almightie,
to whom they doe belong ; for if worldlie concurrence were equall
in both, his power sould not so cleerelie appeare in casting the
ballance.
" And, last of all, being hitherto keeped backe from all other de-
fence of our fame, we cannot omit to beg this favour at your Ho-
nour for your part, to admitt no deeper impressioun of anie sinis-
trous report to be forged against us, the preachers of that realme,
unto whom prosperitie, adversitie, woe, weelefare, hope and feare,
have ever beene commoun with this state since the beginning of
her Majestie's raigne ; but in respect of our long, unspotted, and
unsuspected affectioun in times past, and devouted prayers in times
comming, to the continuance of the happie amitie betweene the
two crownes, as is most incident for our vocatioun, it may please
your Honour to reserve the one eare to the other partie (till op-
portunitie be granted) upon anie suche delatioun by word or Avritt,
to rander some reasoun of our doctrine or dealing. In the meane
time, Ave wishe your Honour be persuaded, and all others to Avhom
your credit doeth extend for our part, that as no raging tempests
tossing us abroad heeretofore, hath shaiked in our hearts the foun-
datiouns of this cans, which hath beene more deere to us than our
owne lives, so, by helpe frome heaven, no quiett or domestick calme
sail be able to make us once shrinke, or look aAvry therefra, in tho
rest of the course of our lives."
372 calderwood's iiistoime 1585.
MR WOTTON AMBASSADER.
Upon the 29th of May, Sir Edward Wotton came to Edinburgh,
sent ambassader from the Queenc of England to our king, and
brought with him some hors for ryding and vaulting, together
with their furniture, and threescore or fourscore couple of hounds,
with which the king passed his time all that sommer, in his pro-
gresse from the 29th of May to the 16th day of October. The pest
followed him almost where ever he went : the English ambassader
in companie with him. Whill the ambassader burthenneth Arran
with his promises, he blameth the Maister of Gray : whill he bur-
theneth the Maister of Gray with his promises, he blameth Arran ;
and so they drive time with England. There w^as at this time
emulatioun betuixt Arran and Gray. Some suspected that it was
but pretended and devised by Matlane and Melvill, that by that
meanes they might gett a better triell who meant uprightlie in
their caus. Yitt in the end there was discord indeid.
THE ERLE OF NORTHUMBERLAND MURTHERETH HIMSELF.
The Erie of Northumberland committed violent and wicked mur-
ther upon himself, in the Towre of Londoun, the 20th day of June,
after he had beene deteanned long in prissoun. This erle, about
the time of the last rebellioun in the north, in the ellcventh yeere
of her Majestie's raigne, then called Henrie Percie, Knight of Tin-
mouth, had conspired, with diverse others, for the deliverie of the
Queene of Scots out of the custodie of the Erie of Shrewsburie ;
wherupon he was indytted. He confessed the offence, and com-
mitted himself to the queene's mercie. Upon his confessioun, sub-
missioun, and faithfull promise of allegiance from thenccfurth, (not-
wdthstanding he was als farre plounged in the treasoun as the late
erle, his brother,) he was ordeaned to pay to the queenc five
thowsand merkes, and was accepted graciousiie in favour and hon-
our. But he entered into another plott, now latelie contrived, not
1585. OF THE KIKK OF SCOTLAND. 373
onlie for the deliverie of the Scottish queene, but also for Invading
the whole realme, the overthrow of the governement, the estat of
religioun, tlie danger of the queene's person, and the advancing of
the Scottish queene to the crowne. In sommer last, there was
taikin upon the sea, sailing toward Scotland, a Scottish Jesuite,
with whom was found a discourse writtin in the Italian language,
of an interprise which sould have beene attempted against Eng-
land, which sould have beene executed in September or October
then last past, wherin assurance is made, that the Erles of North-
umberland and Westmerland, Dakers that is deid, whom they
called Lord Dakers, and all the Catholick lords and gentlemen in
the north parts Avhere the invasioun sould have beene attempted,
will joyne with the forrane forces. It was discovered likewise, that
the Duke of Gwise had forces in readinesse, to be imployed for al-
tering the estat of religioun in England, and setting the Scottish
queene at libertie, by one Shelley, a squire, who is counselled by
Charles Padget, a conspiratour, to follow the Erie of Northumber-
land, who was so affected to the Scottish queene, that he would
doe what he could for her advancement. When Francis Throg-
morton Avas apprehended, the Erie of Northumberland furthered
the departure of the Lord Padget out of the realme, who stood in
danger to be discovered by Francis Throgmorton. None could
accuse the erle of these confederaccis but the Lord Padget. The
departure of the Lord Padget being soone after discovered, the Erie
of Northumberland and William Shelley were committed. When
the erle understood what were Shelley's confessiouns, feareing the
severitie of the lawes, and ruine of his hous, fell into desperatioun,
till at last, when he found that some who had conveyed letters from
him to Shelley in the Towre Avere under triell, he raurthered him-
self upon the 20th of June, about twelve of the clocke at mid-
night.
In Julie there was a conventioun holdin at Sanct Andrewes,
where the king had this oratioun following to the estats, concern-
ing a league with England in religioun : —
" Two causes, my lords, and you all, have moved me to send for
374 • calderwood's historie 1585.
you at tins time, to crave your advices toward tlicm ; wlierof, since
the one is generall, and the other particuhir, I will beginnc at the
generall, as the mater of greatest weight. Amongst all the benc-
fites that God doeth bestow upon his elect and church, the triell
and sifting out of the good and chosin from the badde hypocrits
is one of the most speciall, which he hath used in all ages for the
separatloun of them, als wcill, for that the long companie of the
wicked doeth corrupt the godlie ; as also, their scparatioun in this
earth is a tokin of God's love towards them. AVhich triell he doeth
now cheefelie use ; for the number of the wicked doeth abound in
these latter dayes, Avherin God doeth pcrmltt the devill to rage
most. For Avhat greater triell of the faithfull can there be, than
the confederating together of all the bastard Christians, I meane
the Papists, in a league which they terme holie, albeit it be most un-
holie in verie truthe, for the subversioun of the true religioun, in all
the realmcs throughout the whole world ? This is a mater so ma-
nifest and notorious to you all, even by the report of the smallest
merchants that travell, as it doeth dilate itself, though I were
silent.
" These leagues of whom I speeke are composed of Frenche men
and Spaniards, assisted with the King of Spaine and Pope's money ;
solemnlie sworne to performe their enterprise before they leave
arraes. The performance wherof we ought to resist, for three
causes : to witt, for conscience, honour, and love of ourselves. For
if they may atteane to their purpose, as God forbid, ather will they
destroy and roote out us, our wives and childrein, and whatsoever
we possesse, if we remaine constant ; ather must we rander Christ
Jesus, and suffer our soules, which is the noblest part of man, to be
bound with the bonds of idolatrie and inordinat pleasure. But
since the love of ourselves and our honours can not permitt the
one, and our consciences, and the reverence we ought to God, can
not suffer the other, I crave, my lords, your best and soundest
opinions and advices, what yee thinke mcetest for the rcmedie
therof. But if yee desire, first, to have my opinion, it is this in fcAv
words : that, as sindrle Christian princes have alreadie counselled
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 375
me, a contra league sail be made, not onlie in termes, but in effect
whollie, for joyning together all true Christian princes, to defend
themselves incace of others' invasioun ; a thing hurtfull to none,
profitable for ourselves, acceptable to God, and wise in the sight of
the world. By this meanes sail our consciences, honours, and
lives, be preserved, and God and his religioun glorified and ad-
vanced. And in respect of the Queene of England's nighbourheid,
consanguinitie, and good will, I thinke it meetest in my opinion, that
there be a league first and most strictlie made with her ; for which
cans, I have made and sett doun a forme of act to be subscrived by
you all, Avherin yee promise to ratifie and approve in Parliament
whatsoever'!, or anie in my name, sail conclude Aviththe Queene of
England, or anie in her name, for the making and effectuating of
the foresaid league. But since the act itself will more amplie in-
forme you, it sail be presentlie read in all your audiences.
" We, the nobilitie and estats presentlie conveened, understand-
ing the course of proceedings in forrane parts, and that diverse
princes and potentats, terming themselves Catholicks, have joyned
themselves under the Pope's authoritie in a most unchristian confe-
deracie against the true religioun and professours therof, with full
intent to prosecute their ungodlie resolutioun with all severitie, not
onlie in their owne estat and dominioun, but also in other kingdoms,
where they can pretend no lawfull power nor authoritie to deale ;
a practise of long time projected, though heertofore covertlie con-
tracted; and now, at last, by open and joyned forces of maniecon-
federats plainlie manifested to the world, what hath alwise beene
intended by former covert and craftie courses, which now they
have begunne to putt in executioun in diverse places, with verie
hard effects : And since it hath pleased God^ to blesse this realme
with the sinceritie of his Gospell, the defence wherof is the most
lawfull cans that Christians can mainteane, nothing is more requi-
site, than not onlie to unite our selves sincerelie and truelie, and
joyne our whole powers, forces, and meanes, which God hath granted
unto us, under our most religious and most choice soverane, for the
better assuring of our estate, and more peaceable enjoying of so
376 calderwood's historie 1585.
great a benefite of God ; but also, for withstanding of so perni-
cious and dangerous a course, generallie intended against all true
professors of the truthe, it is necessar that a generall and Christian
confederacie of all princes and estats sincerelie professing the Evan-
gell, were oppouned to the ungodlie conspiracie of the enemeis of
God's truthe ; and speciallie, that the two crowns of Scotland and
England, natvu-allie joynned by blood and habitatioun, and of one
religioun, and thereby alike subject to the malice of the connnoun
enemeis, (by whose union, no lesse suretle may be expected to both
their estats, than danger by their divisioun,) were unseparablie
united by more firme and strict league than hath heretofore beene
between anie princes, their progenitours, als weill for preservatioun
of themselves, as also for the better maintenance of the true, an-
cient, and Christian religioun which they now professe, against all
that sail attempt anie thing against them, or either of them, for the
professioun and maintenance of the said religioun : We, therefore,
the nobilitie and estats under subscriviug, considering the great
necessitie of the said league, and how the samine must no longer
be protracted, nor without perell differred to a more solemne con-
ventioun of the whole estats in Parliament, and reposing our selves
upon the singular wisdome, discretioun, and circumspectioun, ar.d
most earnest zeale borne by the most noble and mightie prince. King
James the Sixt, our soveranc lord, to the advancement of the said
religioun and maintenance therof ; for us, and in name and behalfe
of the whole estats of this realme, whose bodie in this present con-
ventioun we represent, fullie giving and granting, and by the tenour
heerof we, for us, and in name forsaid, give and graunt to our
said soveranc lord, his counsell, or so manic therof as his IMajestie
sail choose, our full power, priviledge, assent, and authoritie what-
Bomever competent to us and the estats foresaid, to treate, or cans
treate, conferre, contract, and conclude, the said Christian league,
and all heeds, points, clauses, and articles therof, betuixt his Ma-
jestic, his Plienesse' deerest sister and consingnesse, the Queene of
England ; and to nominat and appoint commissioners to that effect,
to raeete at suche times and places as his Ilienesse sail agree unto.
1585. OF THE KITIK OF SCOTLAND. 377
with commissioners to be directed from his said deerest sister, of
ahke raiike and honour, whose electiouns, nominatiouns, and in-
structiouns, we have remitted, and lieereby doe remitt, to our said
soverane lord; and whatsomever his Majestic sail agree unto, and
whatsomever the said commissioners sail promise, contract, sub-
scrive, or scale, toward the said league, and articles therof, agreing
for their instructioun, we, for us, and in our name forsaid, now as
then, and then as now, ratifie, approve, and confirme, and by the
tenor heerof, by our greatest and solemne oathes, and upon our
faith and truthe, promise to allow, ratifie, approve, and confirme, by
our consents in the nixt Parliament, without questioun or contra-
dictioun whatsomever ; providing alwise the said league be without
infringing or prejudice to our former league, or alliance betuixt
this realme, or anie other old freinds and confederats therof, except
onlie in maters of rcligioun : Wherin we doe fullie consent the
league be defensive and offensive ; and doe solemnlie avow, in
querell and maintenance therof, nather to spaire lands, lives, good?,
nor geare, or whatsomever it hath pleased God to grant to us. In
witnesse wherof, in presence of his Hienesse, we have subscrived
these presents with our hands. At St Andrewes, the last of Julie
1585."
LOED RUSSELL SLAIN AT A DAY OF TRUCE.
This act was made rather to bleare the eyes of the English than
upon anie sincere intention. The banished lords beginne almost to
despaire, the queen e had conceaved so good an opinioun of the
king, for his act made at Sanct Andrewes. In the meane time, the
Lord prcpareth a way for tlieir libertie. Tlie pest rageth to the
utter vastatioun almost of the principall touns, Edinburgh, Sanct
Andrewes, Sanct Johnstoun, &c., in so muche, that the commoii.i
clamour of the people was raised against Arran and his ladie.
There died of the plague at that time, in Edinburgh, twentie
thowsand. There was with all suche tempest of weather and raine,
that the people beganne to crie, that the Lord's hand would not
378 calderwood's iiistouik 1585.
stay till the banished lords and noble men were brought home
again : which, when their f'reinds perceaved, they advertised thera
that they might draw neere to the borders. But there was difficultie
in obteaning the licence, which their unfreinds confederate with
Arran would not suffer to be granted. Yitt when the Lord Rus-
sell, the Erie of Bedford's eldest sonne, was slaine, upon Moonday
the 2Gth of Julie, at a meeting in the borders in Tiviotdaill betuixt
the Laird of Phairnihirst, A^■ardane, on the one side, and Sir Johne
Foster on the other side, the queene would no longer be deluded
■with pretences. He was shott with a dag at the day of truce, which
may be rather called a day of treacherie, and died the day following.
This fact Avas diverselie interpreted. Suche as favoured Phairni-
hirst said, that it was done on a suddantie, or by some privat per-
sons seeking a revenge of the slaughter committed latelie : for
the English came in with 700 hors, about the middest of Julie,
slue en men, and tooke aAvay twentie. But the English, special-
lie in and about Londoun, cried out upon ti'eacherie, and called this
fact the first fruict of the new league : that the tratours knew
what a faithfuU and loyall subject he Avas to her Majestic : that he
was of that consociatioun which sould have beene, as they were, in-
deed, most faithful! for the pi'cservatioun of her royall person. And
whereas some of these nobles who were contrarie minded were ap-
prehended, and their devillish purposes detected, they thought to
quitt the same, by killing of this nobleman. Arran had said to
the borderers Avho came to compleane of the slaughter committed
ten dayes before, " What needed them to compleane to the court ;
might they not take a revenge themselves ? " Phairnihirst said
to the Lord Russell, he was sorie his lordship was there that day,
and counselled him to depart ; William Ker of Ankrome said
the like ; but both out of time. After Sir Francis Russell was
shott, there were about twentie shott. The Scots cryed, " Lay
on the tratours and theeves !" Some Avere taikin prisoners ; so
manie as were brought to the wardane were let loose. Phairni-
hirst desired Sir Johne Foster to depart ; the other said, " Nay ;
ather yee sail goe with me, or I sail goc Avith you." Some sus^
1585. OF THE KIIIK OF SCOTLAND. 379
pected Sir Johne Foster, becaus he was familiar with Arran, that
he liad some foreknowledge of tlie slaughter ; others purged him,
and accused Phairnihirst of ingratitude toward Sir Joluie Foster,
who liad fostered him, and beene a speciall freind to him in former
times.
The Queene of England compleaneth to our king, by her ambas-
sader, Mr Wotton, upon Phairnihirst, alledging that Sir Francis
was slaine at the suggestioun of Arran. The ambassader craved
that Arran and Phairnihirst might be committed to waird, offering
to prove that Arran was guiltie of art and counsell of the slaughter.
The nobilitie was incensed at the great discredit and disgrace the
countrie receaved. The king consenteth that they sail be wairded,
and seemeth to take it heavilie in heart that the Lord Russell was
slaine ; cast himself upon his bed, and tumbling upon it, said, that
it had not greeved him so muclie if ten thowsand men had entered
in the countrie, and spoiled to Edinburgh. Arran was committed
to waird in the castell of Sanct Andrewes ; Phairnihirst Avas con-
fyned in Dundie. The king promised, if they were guiltie, to de-
liver them to the queene. lie confessed his evill course he runne
before ; beganne to acknowledge the knaverie of the bishops, spe-
ciallie Sanct Andrewes. In the meane time, no word of redresse
or annulling of their authoritie. But the Maister of Gray, in the
meane time, was tickling in his eare, " Let all bygans be bygans,
and faire play in time to come." In the meane time, Arran sent
a letter to Maister Secretarie, which Phairnihirst had sent to him,
wherin Phairnihirst alledged that the slaughter fell out by instiga-
tioun of the lords who lay at Loudoun ; which was a false calum-
nie. The king setteth Arran at libertie, and beganne to deale
with the Queene of England for Arran. The queene was not a
little incensed, and gave licence to the noblemen to returne home
to their owne countrie.
About the end of September, a Scotish Jesuit, sumamed Schaw,
was taikin at Tinmouth, with diverse letters which he had with
him, which were sent up to court,
380 calderavood's iiistorie 1585.
A MEETING OF COMMISSIONERS AT BERWICK.
Upon tlie tlirid of October, the commissioners of England and
Scotland conveened at Berwick, to treate upon redresse of the
murther of the Lord Russell. But the Scottish commissioners were
80 limited that no justice was to be looked [for.] The queene had
appointed Huntingdon and some others to meete with some of the
Scotish nobilitie at Berwick, to contract a perpetuall amitie be-
tuixt the two realmes. But the meeting was deferred till the suc-
cesse of this meeting were scene, which, indeid, tooke no effect.
THE AMBASSADER's INFORMATIONS.
Mr Wotton, English ambassador, informed his mastresse, the
queene, that there was nothing but double dealing and deceate in
our court, and therefore desired to be recalled home ; that Duntreth,
being now sett at libertie, had writtin to the king and to him, that
he was not onlie suborned, but also threatned by Arran, to depone
that which he had deponed against the lords.
MR A. DOWGLAS PARDONED.
Mr Archibald Dowglas getteth the king's remissioun for all of-
fences committed, under his scale, included in the commoun termes
of Super Inquirendis^ and that by the moyen of the Maister of Gray
and Justice-Clerk. Yea, howbeit he was guiltie of the murther of
the king's father, and solicited others to tliat villanous fact, he was
entrusted with the king's effaires, and appointed to be his agent in
England ; wherat manie did wounder.
THE ENGLISH AMBASSADER DEPARTETH QUIETLIE.
The Eno-lish ambassader, perceaving that his staying here was
to no use, went out of Stirline quietlie, at nyne houres at night,
1585. OF THE KIKK OF SCOTLiyS^D. 381
upon the 12th of October, and was neere Berwick before it was
knowne to manie, the king being in the meane time in Kincardine,
at the Lord Fleemino-'s briddell.
THE KING INTENDETH TO PERSUE MAXWELL.
Maxwell being denounced rebell, and putt to the home, through
the malice of Arran, wageth souldiours for his owne guarde. All
the lieges are commanded by proclamatioun to meete the king upon
Crawfurd Moore, upon the 24th of October, with threttie dayes'
victuall. His intentioun was to persue Maxwell. In the meane
time, the banished lords, Angus, Marr, Maister of Glames, and
Lord Hammiltoun, banded together with Maxwell.
THE BANISHED LORDS COME TO THE BORDERS.
After the lords had gottin libertie to returne, they keeped a verie
earnest exercise of humiliatioun at Westminster, where manie teares
were powred out before the Lord. The Erles of Angus and Marr,
with the Maister of Glames and their companeis, and with them
Mr Andrew Melvill, Mr Patrik Galloway, and Mr Walter Balcal-
quall, tooke jouraey from Londoun, and came to the borders, where
they mett with the Lord Hammiltoun, and these that were in Ber-
wick.
Patrik Forbesse, Laird of Corse, now Bishop of Aberdeen, then
a fordward man for discipline and the banished, sent this letter fol-
lowing, dated at Berwick, the 24th of October, to Mr James Mel-
vill, yitt still remaining at Londoun : —
" After duetie remembred : I thought good to recompense the
shortnesse of your brethrein's letter, by writting to you at greater
lenth. Which I might doe so muche the better than they, as my
haste to depart from this place was not so great as theirs, as by
their letter yee may perceave. The Lord hath givin us a prosper-
ous journey, praised be his name ; and I pray God send you the
3S2 caldeuwood's iiistokie 1585.
like. The suuime of otlier tilings ycc heare in your commoun let-
ter. The Lord Ilammiltoun and Lord Maxwell sould nieete the
rest of our lords in Lanerik, and frome thence goe to Stirlinc. The
Lord Hume is verie fordward, and so is Bothwell now, although he,
at the first, gave not so good hope of his good will. The Goodman
of Huttonhall takelh plaine part, and hath openlie interteaned in
his hous the Lord Coldinghame. Cesfurde and Coldingknowes, in
like manor, beare our lords continual! companie. Mr Andrew and
the rest are past to the lords at Kelso, the 24th of October, upon
Sunday ; who, as we heare, are to remove frome thence upon the
morne to Jedburgh, from that to Peebles, and so to Lanrik, where
they, the Lord Ilammiltoun, and Maxwell, meete and ryde fordward
to Stirline. The Lord prosper their interprise. All men travell in
the south parts of Sootland als peaceablie as ever they did. All
the faithfull heere pray to God for good issue of this mater. We
heare of no great preparatioun that the king is making against
them, save onlie of the proclamatioun to all men to passe against
Maxwell. Mr Johne llutherfurde is deid in the pest, and hath
glorified God by a notable confessioun of his indirect and evill deal-
ing in the mater of his ministrie. All the brethrein and freinds
heere have them commended to you. Commend us to Mr David
Monypennie, Caldcleughe, Mr James Carmichaell, and your owne
wife.
" Tuus Patricius."
The Erles of Angus, Marr, and Master of Glames, came to Kel-
so, and remained there with the Ei-le of Both well two or three dayes,
in which space, they mett with the Lord Hume, Wedderburnc,
Cesfurde, Coldingknowes, and other barons and gentlemen. With
commoun consent they went to Jedburgh the 25th of October.
Colonell Stewart was sent against them, with suche companie as he
could gather in haste. He came als farre as Peebles, but returned
with speed to tell tydings. They tooke their journey towards Lan-
rik, there to joyne witli Ilammiltoun and Maxwell's forces. They
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 383
justified their inlerprise by proclamatiouns made at Jedburgh and
other burrow touns whither they went. The tenor of the most
ample proclamatioun foUoweth : —
THE PROCLAMATION MADE BY THE NOBILITIE OF SCOTLAND, CON-
TEANING THE CAUSES OF THEIR REPAIRING TOWARD THE TOUN
OF STIRLINE, TO THE KING'S MAJESTIE. THE SECUND OF NO-
VEMBER 1585.
" Whereas the king's Majestie our soveran's good natural!, and
vertuous educatioun, is now plainlie understand to have been
abused, and hisroyall qualiteis givin him by Almightie God, (which
caused his fame, farre above the capacitie of his yeeres, to be mag-
nified and worthilie praised, to the great confort of all his good
subjects,) to have beene these yeeres past obscured, by the craft
and subtiltie of so lewde and wicked persons of no desert or wor-
thinesse ; and for the most part of base linage, not borne to a foote
breadth of ground, yitt, of a mervellous aspyring, wrongous, and
cruell inclinatioun, who, under colour of freindship and blood,
creeping in about his Majestie, and seeking allanerlie their owne
particular profite and promotioun, shaiking off, as it were, not onlie
all Christian and charitable nature, but even the generall points
and offices of humanitie used amongst most barbarous people, with-
out feare of God or man, as subtile foxes and bloodie woolves, by
wresting of lawes and other deceatfull practises, have so waisted,
torne in peeces, and devoured the Avhole bodie of this afflicted com-
moun wealth, that of the whole ancient forme of justice and policie,
receaved of our antecessors, remaineth nothing, nather in spirituall
nor temporal! estat, but the naiked shadow and counterfoote maske
therof ; to our soveran's high dishonour, our opprobrie, Avho are a
part of his nobilitie, and heavie regrate of all good men throughout
the whole realme.
" It is evidentlie knowne what justice and quietnesse, what
heartie love betuixt his Majestie and his subjects universallie, n hat
384 calderwood's historie 1585.
beautiful! countenance tlic kirk of God had, witli daylic liopc of
increasse ; wliat expectatioun was of his Hienesse in forrane nations,
before the arrival of Aubigney, afterward called Duke of Lennox,
and the entering in credit of James Stewart, and Colonell Stewart,
with their unhappie complices ; and what hath succeeded sensyne, no
true Scotish heart can remember without great dolour : for there is
no part nor corner within this land at this time quiett or peaceable,
but all replenished with particular feedes, or cruell revenges, with-
out punishment. It is also weill knowne that where the Avisest of
his Majestie's most noble progenitours laboured, by clemencie, not
by crueltie, to possesse the hearts of their subjects, and. to keepe
the strenths of the realme in their owne hands, (thereby meaning
the better to preserve themselves against suche inconveniences as
mania princes of that land, misgoverned and led by perverse coun-
sell, have beene subject unto,) that the forsaid abuses had deprived
his Majestic both of the one and the other, so farre as in them lay.
For the cheefe strenths of the realme are in his hands who, brag-
ging of his pedigree by descent from Duke Murdo, (one that was
beheaded for treasoun against his soverane,) was not ashamed to
say, (meaning of himself,) ' Heere standeth the person of King
James the Seventh !'
" And to the end that the hearts of the people might be alienated
from his Hienesse, and so, as appeareth, his Majestic made unable
to punishe them, if at anie time heerafter he sould perccave their
false and treasonable doings, what can be devised, more than the
said seditious have done alreadie in that behalfe ? seing, under his
Majestie's name and authoritie, suche partialitie is used in all ma-
ters, suche extortioun, with crueltie and incredible dissimulatioun,
throughout the Avhole land, that Averc not his subjects (upon the
experience of his mylde and calme governement, before these lewde
men entered in about him) perswaded that the cans of all these
misorders ought to be imputed to them, and not to himself, they
had long agoc, by universall malcontcntmcnt of the people, proceed-
ing of the causes forsaid, procured a great distractioun of the
king's lieges' hearts, and had cast hia INIajes tic's honour, crowne.
1'585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 385
and estat, into mervellous danger. Wlieras, now, (blessed be God,)
all Ills true subjects are certanlie pers waded, that if the said leAvde
persons were separated from his Majestie, he would returne againe
to exercise his former clemencie and tendernesse, in everie respect,
which hath beene these yeeres past mervelouslie eclipsed, by the
craft of these tratours foresaid ; who not onlie have sought, and
seeke, for their particular commoditie, the destructioun of certan
severall persons, but even, as it appeareth, have conspired against
the whole bodie of the realme, in so muche that there is no estate
of the land free of their persecutioun. The worthiest and most
ancient of the barons and nobilitie, namelie, suche as have givin best
prooiFe of their forwardnesse in true religioun, and fidelitie to their
soverane, are, by partialitie and wresting of the lawes, without
mercie, ather executed, confynned, imprissouned, banished, or, at
the least, debarred his Majestie's presence. Against the ministrie,
schooles, and cleargie, acts and proclamatiouns are published, inhi-
biting their presbytereis and other assembleis, exercises, privi-
ledges, and immuniteis, ratified by former parliaments, or, at the
least, by laudable custome, permitted ever since the first reforma-
tioun within this land, and without which, the puritie of doctrine
and riglit forme of discipline can not long continue ; as being the
onlie meanes to trie and examine the lives, knowledge, and maners
of everie person, and to reforme the same, if need require. With
this, the most learned and of most unspotted lives of that number are
ather compelled, for safetie of their lives and consciences, to aban-
doun their countrie, or ellis inhibited to preache, or deprived of
their stipends : Jesuits, seminarie preests, and suche as be knowne
practisers in diverse natiouns for executioun of the bloodie Coun-
cell of Trent, are interteanned, and in great estimatioun ; yea, some
obstinat indured Papists are admitted on sessioun, to occupic the
places from which the most godlie and faithfull senators have beene
by them cast out; — an evident foreshewing of the overthrow of true
religioun. And as concerning the estat of burro wes, by intrusioun
of suche magistrats to rule over them, as nather are comburgesses,
nor apt to discharge themselves of suche offices, but men elected to
VOL. IV. 2 B
386 calderwood's historie 1585.
applaud and consent to the appetite of the seditious forsaid, their
privilcdges and ancient liberteis are so prejudicated, that without
speedie remedie that estate (sometime a great ornament of the
hind) must needs suddanlie decay. So as these three powers, Avher-
by the king and connnoun wealth sould be preserved and upholdin,
being waisted and undermynned in maner above-writtin, what can
be expected but universall overthrow and mine of the whole bodle
of the estate, except God of his mercie prevent the same?
" Beside all this, the forsaid abusers, not resting content with
the enormiteis above expressed, have practised, and daylie practise,
to turne the happie amitie which now, a good space, hath stood be-
tuixt the inhabitants of the whole He, in open hostilitie and hatred,
without respect of nighbourheid and kinred betuixt the two princes,
orregarde had to the benefites which her Majestic of England hath
bestoAved upon the king, our soverane, and his whole countrie ;
first, by planting of true religioun within this realme ; and, nixt, by
preserving of his Majestic, when as, in his minoritie, he could not
tak in hand, nor interprise for himself. To this effect, they openlie
dealt with suche persons as by all meanes sought her Majestie's
destructioun, as by the confessioun of sindrie of her Majestie's re-
bells, latelie executed in England, is made manifest. But when as
once they perceaved danger to arise, by opin dealing with her Ma-
jestie's enemeis, -then, fraudfullie, to illude her Majestic, they have
pretended these moneths past a great freindship and kindnesse ;
promising largelie in that behalfe, and offering to capitulat and
conclude a band, offensive and defensive, to stand perpetuallie.
But in the end, notwithstanding all these liberall promises, the
effects by experience declare nothing to have beene in their mindes
but falshood and crueltic, as by the late murther of the Lord Kus-
sell is manifested to the world ; who, being a young nobleman, for
his birth and qualiteis even honoi'able and vertuous, and of great
expcctatioun, and for his zeale to religioun, good affectioun to our
soveran, and to all Scotish men in geiierall, one that merited great
praise, love, and commendatioun, yitt he is murthered in most
odious and treasonable maner, even when as greatest kindnesse Is,
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 387
pretended : which cannot but procure vehement snspicioun and
slander, as weill against the king, our soverane, as against the whole
countrie; to his great dishonour, and discredite of his innocent sub-
jects, if condigne justice be not ministred upon the authors and ex-
ecuters of that horrible crime forsaid. Last, which is worst of all,
and necessarilie craveth present reformatioun, the said abusers
cover all their enorraiteis with his jMajestie's name and authoritie,
thereby thinking to excuse themselves, and lay the burthein upon
him. And, therefore, as it cannot but be verie slanderous and dan-
gerous to his Majestic, if suche disordered persouns, who have al-
readie made shipwracke of all honestie. be suffered to remaine in
his Majestie's companie, so it is shamefuU to be reported in other
countreis, that suche a few number of bcggarlie fellowes, replenished
with all vice, sould extinguishe the beautie and flowre of the nobi-
litie, rule above the whole countrie, and keepe his Majestic thrall,
to authorize by his royall power their abominable and execrable
facts.
" For the causses forsaids, and manie others that might be justlie
alledged. We, of his Majestie's nobilitie heere present, in the feare
of God, our soveran's obedience, being through God's free mercie
called to be professors of his blessed Evangell, and borne counsel-
lers to his Hienesse, our soverane, being bound in duetie not onlie
to hazard, raunder, and renounce our lives, lands, and goods, if need
be, for the same Evangell and true religioun, but also, in conscience
charged, to be carefull of his Majestie's honour, weilfare, and re-
putatioun, and to procure, to our abilitie, peace and quietnesse to
him and his realme, having our lands and heritages for that effect
holdin of his Majestie's progenitors, of worthie memorie ; in con-
sideratioun of the enormiteis and tyranneis before said, have ga-
thered our selves together, for redresse and reformatioun of the
same, seing the suffering therof hath alreadle wounded the estat of
true religioun, dishonoured his Majestic, disturbed the whole
realme, and had almost disjoyned, as weill the hearts of the princes,
as of the sulyccts of the two natiouns. Vs^c thinkc it, therefore,
high time, and we are, in duetie and conscience, (all doubt and
388 calderwood's histokie 1585.
perell sett apart,) to procure the separatioun and thrusting away
of the said desperat and enorme persouns frome about his Majestic ;
that his Ilienesse, being restored to his former libertie, may frcelie,
peaceablie, and wiselie governe his subjects, by advice of grave,
modest, and indifferent counsellers, onlie respecting his Majestie's
suretie and preservatioun ; to the end the afflicted kirk within this
hind may be conforted, and all acts latelie made in prejudice of
the same may be solemnelie cancelled, and for ever annulled ; his
Ilienesse restored to his former libertie ; the bodie of the commoun
wealth, by punishing vice, cheefelie upon the authors of these mis-
orders, and maintenance of vertue, may be once disburthened of
the heavie oppressioun and injureis that they have, Avith no small
greefe, so long susteaned, and the happie amitie with England re-
established and conserved ; to the highglorie of God, honour of the
king, our soverane, and univcrsall contentment of all good men
evcrie where. In prosccutiouu whcrof, avc protest, before God and
his holie angels, avc sail nather spare lives, lands, nor goods, but
franklie hazard and spend the same, as need rcquireth, during the
time that the said abusers be ather apprehended and presented to
justice, to suffer for their enormiteis ; or ellis, if they cannot be
found out, till they be debarred from his companie, and expelled
his realme.
" Th.erefore, we command and charge, in our soverane lord's
name, all and sindrie his subjects, als wcill in citie as countrie, to
fortifie and. assist this godlie and most lawfull interprise ; and to
concurre, as they will give testimonic of their affectloun to the
advancement of true religloun, his JNIajestie's suretie, weelefare, and
publict quietnesse of the whole realme : Certifeing all and sindrie
that doe attempt anie thing to the contrarie, or that will not tak
open and plaine part with us, we will repute them as partakers and
mainteaners of all vice and iniquitie, assisters of the traterous con-
spirators aforesaid, and enemeis of true religioun, his jMajestie's
authoritie, and of the publict quietnesse betuixt the two realmes ;
and will use them in bodie and goods accordinglie : And that all
justices, as weill Lords of Scssioun as Commissars, and other in-
1585. OF THE KIEK OF SCOTLAND. 389
feriour judges, sitt and minister justice to the furtherance therof,
according to the lawes of this reahne, as they will answere upon
their allegiance, and uttermost perell : With certificatioun to the
disobeyers as is aforesaid."
THE TAKING OF THE CASTELL OF STIRLINE,
The lords with their assisters came to Fawkirk : from Fawkirk
they went to St Ninian's Chappell, within a myle to Stirline ;
where they pitched their tents, and planted, as it were, a new toun,
to the great terrour of their enemeis, upon the first of November.
Their number amounted to nyne or ten thowsand men. The ad-
versareis within the toun were moe in number, but not so fordward
for the other partie. The king sent to the Erie of Bothwell, to
require him ather to come in, or retire him, and abandoun the
noblemen. Some report that he was in doubt what to doe, till
the Erie of Angus by his authoritie reteaned him. Others report,
that he was so offended Avith the messinger, that he had almost
shott him through with a dao;. Others were likewise solicited to
abandoun them. But there was a band of associatioun subscrived
by the whole lords, erles, barons, and cheefe gentlemen, and pub-
lished in the campe : all querrells among them were committed to
the decisioun of the cheefe men. The sincerest professors made a
motioun to the nobilitie to injoyne abstinence from all effusioun of
blood, so farre as was possible ; which was accepted, and published
in the campe.
The nixt morning, about the breake of day, they conveene, after
a secreit signe givin to their companeis. Some were appointed to
make shew to enter at a certan part of the toun, through some
orchard on the west side : others to come by the ports, as it Avere,
to assault the toun upon the castellhill side ; but, indeid, to hold
them off from anie conflict. In the meane time, the lords them-
selves, with the Avhole bodie of their armie, marched upon the other
side ; and passing the ditche at a certan mylne, entered through
yairds and by a narrow wynde, where they could skarslie passe,
390 cal,derwood's histopje 1585.
single man. The soiildioiii-s that were hyrcd by the Lord Max-
well, and were under the charge of his bi-other-naturall, Robert
INIaxwell, were ordeanncd to passe l)et'ore, to remove by sliott anie
that would offer to resist them. Within the touu they were not
all of one dispositioun ; for there were none enemeis in effect but
James and Colonell Stewart, and the Erie of Montrose. The
INIaister of Gray, Sir Lewis Bellendine, Secretare Matlane, favoured
not Arran and the colonell. Arran was once jmrposed, with his
associats, the Erles of Montrose and Crawfurd, to have dispatched
the Maister of Gray and Sir Lewes Bellendine. But they were
Weill accompanied, drew themselves to armes,"and stood on their
defences. The colonell Avas directed to keepe the streete neere
the west port of the toun ; Arran stayed about the bridge, and
keeped the keyes himself, not willing to concredit himself to the
castell ; Montrose was directed to keepe the passage betuixt the
parke and the castellhill. The lords entered by a closse above
the west j)ort. The colonell made some shew to have resisted.
Some shott were delashed on both sides. One of the lords' side
was killed in the yairds as they passed through ; but it is uncer-
tane whether by their enemeis, or by their owne souldiours, unskil-
full in handling their peeces. But the colonell being fiercelie as-
saulted, fled to the castell. The Erie Marshall and Lord Setoun,
to whom was committed the defence of the west port, stayed there,
and invaded no man : Montrose and Crawfurd, understanding the
toun was taikin on the other hand, retired to the castell. Arran
fled by the bridge, locking it behind him, and casting the keyes in
the Avater of Forth. Manie gentlemen that were in the toun joyncd
with the lords, as the Lairds of Keir and Glennegeis. The colonell
Avas fulloAved so hardlie, that Mr James Haddane, brother-gennan
to the Laird of Glennegeis, overtooke him ; and as he Avas laying
hands on him, Avas shott by the colouell's servant, Josuah Ilen-
dersone. Being thus entered in the toun, the border men of Au-
nandaill, Avho attended upon Maxwell, tooke violentlie the gentle-
men's hors, not respecting freind nor foe ; for the gentlemen had
lighted on fuote, and committed their hors to their boyes. The
1585. OF THE KIEK OF SCOTLAND. 391
2(1 of November they stayed in the toun, keepmg watche about
the castell. The provisioun was so skant in the castell, that they
behoved to come to the toun for the king's owne diett. Robert
Hammiltoun of Inchemauchane, whill he preasseth to escape
through the parke, was espied, followed, and killed by * * *
Johnstoun of Westerraw. This was the man that furnished false
dittay against Drumquhassill and Maynes. The lords planted
their ensignes before the fore blocke-hous of the castell.
The king, perceaving that he was not able to defend the castell,
and how gracious the lords were to the people, sent furth the Se-
cretare and the Justice-Clerk to the lords, to crave, First, That his
life, honour, and estate, might be preserved ; Nixt, That the lives of
Montrose, Crawfurd, and Colonell Stewart, might be spaired ;
Thridlie, That all maters sould be transacted peaceablie. He of-
fered, upon these conditiouns, to be governed by their advice and
counsel! in time comming. The noblemen answered to the First,
That God knew they had never anie other intentioun than to pre-
serve his Majestie's persoun, state, and dignitie, and to deliver his
Majestic out of the hands of suche as, under pretext of his name
and authoritie, had oppressed both kirk and commoun wealth, and
had exposed to danger both his life and his crowne : that they were
als readie to doe him service now as they did before, when his
enemeis assisting his mother with displeyed banner, sought to de-
prive him of his estat and honour. As to the Secund, Seing the
persons before named had troubled the whole countrie, they could
doe no lesse for his Majestie's honour, and affectioun they boore to
their countrie, than seeke the meanes whereby they might be putt
in the hands of justice, to be used as they had deserved. As to
the Thrid, That they themselves declared to the king, that they
made humble snpplicatioun to his Hienesse, that he himself sould
take order, and see all things passe, and wrought peaceablie to the
contentment of his subjects ; promising all aide and assistance.
They protested that they came not thus in armes, but through
constraint, for saving of their lives and livings from the tyrannic of
Buche as sought their ruine.
392 calderwoob's iiistorie 1585.
The king's messingers being departed, the noblemen sent like-
wise to the king, to require three things : First, That he would
consent to reforme the corruptiouns and abusses that were creeped
within the kirk and commoun weale, by the evill governement of
these who had abused his authoritie ; and to that effect, that he
would subscrive the short declaratioun which they had formed for
their cans : and for their greater assurance, that the strenths and
castells which the trou biers of the estate had in their hands sould
be delivered, to be keeped by suche as the estats of the realme
thought raeete. KSccundlie, That the troublers of the estat sould
be committed to them, to be presented to justice. Thridlie, That
the guard might be changed, and suche a captan choosed as they
sould name. All these things were granted.
Upon the 4th of November, about the evening, the lords entered
into the Castell of Stirline, the gates being made patent, and pre-
sented themselves before the king, in the presence of manie lords,
barons, and gentlemen. They cleered themselves of all imputatioun,
and protested loyall respect to his Majestic. The king acknow-
ledged there was no need of words : weapons had spokin loud
eneugh, and gottin them audience, to cleere their owne caus, from
which they were debarred before. He confessed he had beene too
long abused : that it was the mightie hand of God that had brought
them in with so small bloodshed ; and welcometh them with cheere-
fulnesse, as it seemed. Seeuritie was taikin to the Erie of Mont-
rose and Crawford, becaus of the particular inimities betuixt Angus
and Montrose, for the death of Morton ; betuixt Crawfurd and the
Maister of Glames, for the slaughter of the Lord G lames. They
packe up their particulars, so free would they have this worke to
be of bloodshed. The successe of this interprise justified their for-
mer conventioun at Stirline, that they had no other intentioun, if
the successe then had beene like. The Lord Hammiltoun is made
captan of the Castell of Dumbartane ; the Laird of Coldingknowes
captan of the Castell of Edinburgh. The Castell of Stirline was
restored to the Erie of Marr ; the Castell of Tamtallan was ran-
dered to the Erie of Angus ; the Castell of Blacknesse was com-
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 393
mitted to the Justice-Clerk. The old giiarde was changed, and
the Maistev of Glames appointed captan of the new guarde.
Becaus the proceedings of the court, since the comming of the
Duke of Lennox to this countrie, are somwhat obscure, notwith-
standing of all that hath beene alreadie said hitherto, I have heere
subjoynned certane notes, to give light to the reader, collected by
a judicious author, as folio we th : —
NOTES PROVING THAT THE DUKE OF LENNOX AND ARR/VN, OF OLD,
ARRAN AND COLONELL STEWART, AND THEIR COMPLICES, OF
NEW, RANNE, AND RUNNE SUCHE COURSES, AS CARIE AVITH
THEM, BESIDE THEIR OWNE PROMOTION, 1. THE WRACKE OF
TRUE RELIGION ; 2. OF THE KING'S MAJESTIE's SOULE, BODIE,
FAME, AND CROWNE ; 3. OF THE COMMOUN WEALTH OF SCOT-
LAND ; 4. AND AMITIE BETUIXT BOTH THE REALMES.'
I.
That the Duke and Arran sought of old the tcracke of religion.
1. The commotiouns that have beene almost thi'ough all Europ
these twentie yecres past flow from the Councell of Trent.
Conferre their acts with the liistoreis of all countreis in this time,
especiallie in France and the Low Countreis. — Vide Frenche
Historic, Buchanan, Booke of Fast.
2. That their mahce hath beene extended these manie yeeres
against the queen's Majestic of England, als weill for professing
and protecting true religioun, as aiding the afflicted everie where.
Manie conspiraceis onlie of Papists and pensioners of France and
Spaine witnesse it. — Vide Thomas Norton's Discourses, Execu-
tioun of Justice, Throgmorton's Confession.
3. Scotland had their owne assaults, both to subvert religioun
there, and to make a free passage to England in all quarters, under
' Throughout this long paper, the paragraphs are written in double columns, each
comment ranged by the side of its text. As a similar mode of printing could not be
adopted in the present instance, the comments are made to follow in a smaller type.
394 calderwood's itistorie 1585.
colour of suing, by indirect meancs, for the deliverie of the Queene
of Scots.
Hired practiscrs hj the Pope, France, Spaine, Queen of Scots,
murtlierers of the king and regents, assisted by them, the Pari-
sian seminarie, famous lihells of apostats.
4. For preventing of the said conspiraceis, Johne Eric of Marr,
regent, with advice of commissioners, called out of all kirks for that
purpose, to a Gcnerall Assemblie ; made good constitutions, which
afterward the Erie Morton inacted in parliament ; and used all
meanes at home, and with forranc princes, to provide remedie against
the same.
Both in anno 1572. Peruse tlie acts of that parliament against the
enemeis of religioun, inviolablie kccpcd untill tlie comming of
D'Aubignej. He choose certan of the most learned pastors to
send to the conventioun at Franckefurd ; and Dumfermline, ara-
hassader to the queen's Majestic, in Julie 1578, to consult how,
with commoun forces, the cans miglit be mainteanned.
5. That D'Aubigney was legat from them, to pervert his Majes-
tie's good educatioun, alter religioun, and alienat his Majestic's
minde from the amitie and ministrie ; and to inslnuat his mother in
his favours, first, by procuring her blessing ; then, his associatioun
with her ; wherof have followed all the troubles and confusiouns
since happenned in that governement ; with which practises he
was charged at his departure by her Majestic.
His convoy to the shippe by the Duke of Guise, confederat of the
Councell of Trent, his owne letter to Glasgow, and Glasgowe's
letters to the Pope and Spaine ; the warnings from 'forrane
churches and Christian princes, Mr Kandulpli from England,
William Mclvill from the Prince of Orange, the King of Na-
varre by Wcmes and Bothwell, with experience, proveth these
things. And Alexander Seton, in his letter, confesseth, that in
his course so muche was gained, that his Majestie's minde was
alienated from the ministers.
0. And becaus it seemed a worke impossible to bring to perfec-
tioun in the dayea of the Erie Morton, whose wisdome and force
nii'dit best espie and withstand suche attempts ; before all things,
at his first comming to Scotland, finding the realme in great quiet-
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 395
nesse, he employed his Avitt and credit to stirre up all the fiiutors
of the queen's cans, enemeis to religioun, the king's coronatioun,
(the araitie wherof he was cheefe protectour,) and suche as had
anie particular against him, although he was professour of reli-
gioun, (so farre were they blinded,) untill he was brought to the
schambles, under colour of justice, charging him with the death of
the king's father ; using Arran as an instrument therin, and Sir
James Balfour, condemned for the same fact, whome he called again
into the realme, without the king's privitie. And where as a writ-
ting of the principall conspiratours of the murther was found by
the said Balfour, in a desk of the Lord Bothwel's, the same, by the
duke's advice, was suppressed, for that it tuiched some of these
that Avere of his factioun. After imprissounment of Morton, the
like was attempted against Gowrie, first by poysoning in Dalkeith,
wherethrough he keeped bed a moneth, with inward diseases and
inflammations in all parts of his bodie, casting his skinne, and
yeerelie since was molested with pustuls in the face and hands,
turning to white skrufte, against the which he was compelled to
use the helpe of physick ; secundlie, they intended to kill him at
Perth, in time of Justice Air, in Julie 1582.
Morton was executed the same day that Norfolk was, at our queen's
appointment, for revenge therof ; wherof our bishop posted to
his freinds. — Vide Thomas Norton's Discourse.
Of which crime Morton was als unjustlie accused, and by jurie
convicted of art, part, foreknowledge, as sometime Bothwell was
purged by his jurie. Two of the assise that cleansed Bothwell
filed Morton of the murther ; the Erie of Rothesse and Laird of
Lochinvar.
Sir James Balfour's peace proclamed, 24th Aprilis 1581.
7. The companie brought with him were Papists by professioun,
and, indeid, atheists, obstinat enemeis to the king's crowne and
amitie ; and were interteaned with him almost till his departure.
Montbirneau, Keir, Schaw, Charles Geddesse, Kilsyth, &c.
8. He had his agents in France, from whom he had his instruc-
tiouns before he came ; and his new platts layed, and intelligence
after his commino-.
396 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1585.
The qneene-mother, Guisians, the Pop's nunce, D'Eiitragucs,
Bishops of Glasgow and Rosse, Sii- James Balfour.
9. No benefitc was granted, manie prlvilcdgcs climlnislicd, lawes
brokin and dispensed with in his owne person, and others by his
procuring, since his comming to Scotland. And, first of all, he
procured the title of the Abbacie of Arbrothe,. without anie pro-
visioun of the ministrie for everie particular kirk of that prelacie ;
contrarie to the tenor of the late act of parliament, appointing
that none sould be preferred to the title of anie prelacie before
the said provisioun.
Lett the acts of parliament be viewed from his comming, and letters
to Assembleis and Sessiouu of Justice, and whole proceedings ;
dispensatioun to himself not to be troubled for religioun for a
whole yeere, that he might persue in judgement for the fruicts of
Arbrothe and Lennox ; and to the Lord Seton, to hold mercats
on Sunday, contrarie to acts of parliament made in Morton's
regiment, at Edinburgh, 26th Januarie 1572, cap. 3d, et 20th
Oct. 1579, cap. 3.
10. He purchassed the gift of the superplus of the thrids of Ar-
brothe, as it stood in anno 1580, not onlic to stay all farther plant-
ing of ministers within the kirks of that abbacie, but also, to spoile
the whole ministers not planted at these kirks, of the part of their
stipends taikin out of that abbacie.
Superintendent of Angus, Mr Andrew Mill, Mr JohneHepburne, &c.
The acts of parliament, which provide tliat no prelaceis sould passe
before the provisioun of their particular kirks ; first brokin by
him.
11. The manie letters purchassed from his Majestic to the ses-
sioun, eldership of Edinburgh, the Provinciall and Generall As-
sembleis, conteaning faire promises mixed with obscure minassing,
tending alwayes to admitt the supersedere according to his dispen-
satioun, troubled the kirk eiglit moneths before his subscriptioun.
The register of their .sessiouns beare witnesse, and long processe,
with his pulling to religioun : the king's letter to tlie Provinciall
Assemblie of Lothian, from Stirline, 10th Aprilis 1580.
12. Having dispensatioun from the Pope to dissemble religioun,
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 397
(according to the coramoun indult sent into Scotland,) without
reading, and understanding little of that he heard, wherethrough lie
might be perswaded, yitt he subscribed the articles of religioun, and
communicated. Under Avhich shadow he keeped no small number
of good professors blinded.
Frenche bookes givin him to his use were soone wanting, which he
said were stollin : the receaving his sacrament, first, at the
Bishop of Glasgowe's hands, and refusing it of a preest deing,
or catholick ; as Mr Johne Dowglas, Mr Johne Hammiltoun,
and Tjrie affirmed, verifie his dissimulatioun, least his sonne sould
be prejudged. He procured the freindsliip of others by letters
of recommendatioun from the King of -France, and others, with
Frenche gold, brought home with him to that purpose, which was
supposed to surmount to fiftie tliowsand peeces ; whereof a great
part was furnished out of the holie treasurie.
13. After which time, he reformed never a wdiitt his owne hous ;
nather of them that were brought home with him, nor of the most
obstinat Papists finding refuge in his familie, never having a man
fearing God in office nor credit in his hous.
Wherof, William Schaw and others avouched Papistrie in presence
of the Assemblie, wliich none before durst doe. He reteaueth Mr
Robert Spence, wiio had served Don Johne d'Austria and the
Spanish king in the Low Countreis, against the Protestants, and
other Papists and enemeis to the king's authoritie, in his civill
warres, to be captans of his souldiers, levied at the executioun of
Morton.
14. So that, albeit he promised to procure and mainteane on his
expenses a minister, he never had so muche as one boy to read one
chapter, or say grace at the table.
His offer to the Generall Assemblie by Keir, and their letter di-
rected to the Frenche kirk, together with her Majestie's ambas-
sadors for the time, beare wituesse.
15. There flocked home, within half a yeere after the time of his
pre-eminencie, with his colleague Arran, or rather burrio and exe-
cuter of all his devices, manie Papists, they being fuUie perswaded
before they came from France, that by his meanes the masse sould
be erected, or liberlie of conscience procured.
398 caluerwood's iiistokie 1585.
Mr William Lumsden, Mr Robert Abircromie, younger, Mr Wil-
liam Criclitoii, Mr Johne Morton, Mr Jolme Ilay, Jesuits, Mr
William Skecne, seminarie preest. His wife could not come to
him, wliill libcrtic sould be granted to bring home a masse preest,
and libertie of conscience,
16. He brouglit manie of these in credit and familiaritie in court,
how unhonest so ever they were, who before durst not be scene in
the countrie ; notwithstanding manie admonitions, and promises to
refornie the same.
The old Bishop of Duukelden. called Crichtou, restored to his
peusioun, and of late to his bishoprick ; Cuthbert Ramsay, and
manie others.
17. Then, to detract the ministrie, and raile ag'ainst the Word,
was a cheefe means to make court ; and zealouslie to professe, and
speeke in their favour, and be IJxrailiar with them, compted just caus
to decourt all men. So that Arran confessed atRuthven, after the
duke's returne to France, that he knew of his Avife, (who was more
familiar with him by reason of her Frenche language,) that the duke
had a hid interprise against i-eligioun.
The Laird of Fadownside was accused by the duke to his freinds,
for favouring the ministers. lie solicited the Abbot of Haly-
rudhous to sett the tithes of Boughtou to liis enemie. A gentle
man of Fife was removed out of the duke's hous, for free speck-
ing in the assemblie of the kirk.
18. Famose libells, confessiouns sett furth falslie, under the
names of the Bishops of Sanct Andrewes and Glasgow, (then liv-
ing,') directlle contrare to the King's Confessioun ; calumnious
questions printed, dispersed, and sent from France, scene then in
courteours' hands ; citatiouns to Avairne the preachers and profes-
sours to flitt ; pardounsand indulgences, matine bookes, beeds,
oylc boasts, croces, Agnus Dei, altaria, portatilia, and other monu-
ments of idolatrie, brought in the countrie, against acts of parlia-
ment. When redresse was craved therof, it was heard with laugh-
ter and scorne, without punishment of the persons nominated guiltie
therof.
' Probably that loryL-d confession uf wIiIl-Ii a copy is given in vol. iii. p. 511.
1585. OF THE KIEK OF SCOTLAND. 399
Manie suche like brought the Laclie Phairnihirst and Maister of
Gray from France with them. He bestowed liberallie on cappes
also. Frier Leitche confessed the using therof, made his publict
repentance ; and after, excommunicated therefor, without anie
civill punishment. There was brought into Scotland 200 indults,'
accompanied with suche reliques, wherof eightie were scattered
into England. The same Leitche yett remaineth in Fowlles and
Milhill, in companie of the Master of Gray, together with two of
the Ladie Athol's preests, and Sir Thomas Gray, sometimes
preestofthe queen's coUedgein Scotland, and others excomrauni-
cated preests, by whom masse is said, contrarie to the lawes of
God and the realme.
19. Other practising preests have returned both to the North
and South parts ; some, under pretence to visite freinds, others, to
injoy their native air, for receaving their health, others, to crave in
their old debts.
William Archibald, to crave in silver lent by the Bishop of Glas-
gow to some noblemen ; Mr William Crichton, to crave 300
frankes from Setoun, for his sone's boorde ; Mr Johne Hay,
Jesuit, author of the calumnious questiouns.
20. Some bussie gentlemen, pensioners of the queene-mother, im-
ployed to shew their diligence in these practises, having large fur-
niture also of the liolie treasurie of Trident.
The Maister of Gray, the Laird of Fentrie, who have perverted
sindrie young gentle men.
21. The duke in his OAvne person fretted, and was enraged that
he could not be avenged on the ministers, who would not beare with
his hypocrisie and adidterous life, wherewith the land was polluted.
He intended to putt hands in Mr Patrik Galloway in Perth, Mr
Johne Davidsone at Libberton, and Johne Durio at Dalkeith.
In a French passiorc he rent his beard, and thinking to strike the
boord, strake himself in the thigh, crying, " The devill for Johne
Durie !" which Montbirneau learned for the first lessoun in the
Scotish language.
Of which number of his harlots was Armestrong, Fawcon, and
diverse others openlie detected.
22. As he alienated his Majestie's minde from the ministers, un-
> Papal indulgences.
400 calderwood's historie 1585.
quietting them all his time, so he brought in credite and pur-
chassed protectioini to Jesuits and practising Papists to lurke in
Seton, to infect and confinne the noble men repairing thither to
banketting and pastymes ; and gave intelligence from other nations
of their platt. So that Alexander Seton (restored to the pryorie of
Pluscardie, 22d Aprilis 1581, and one of the Lords of the Articles
in the parliament, October 1581) >Yritetli to the Prepositor of the
Jesuits at Rome, that the reverend father, Mr Holt, had remained
there a good space, with great satisfiictioun and consolatioun of all
these with whom he had dealt and negociatcd.
nuntlie,Crawfurd, and Maister of Gray, repaired thither, and some-
times the king and the duke also, who had intelligence and
secreitlie conference with certan Jesuits and others evill affected
persons, her Majestie's unduetifuU subjects ; and namelie, not
long before his departure out of Scotland with one Breereton, and
another called Markenfeild, a Yorkesliire man, condemned tratour
in feild against lier Majestic. A Scotish preest, apprehended at
Mauchline, confessed that foure Jesuits had beene sent to the
duke into Scotland, whom he meant to use for his purpose.
23. He brought in greater credit and more frequent familiaritie
with his ]\Iajestie than his owne chcefe noblemen, sindrie naughtie
and cruell strangers ; and specialiie Montbirneau, Le Croy, and
Sieur Paul, the horse-scorcer, inritched in the pluck up faire of
Sanct Barthlemew in France, who, under colour of a present of
eight horses to his Majestic, might farther corrupt his Majestie's
manors, and affectioun to religion. So that at Perthc, in the Inche,
a gentleman of the North, of love and pitie toward that present
estat, signified that his Majestic would offer some occasioun of mis-
lyking to his nobilitie, for so gi'eat and long familiaritie with that
stranger, they standing aloofe and farre*off, without countenance
at his hand.
The duke said to tlie king, he sould hang the Lord Yestcr over his
owne balkc,' for refusing his chaine, which he would have given
to this Sieur Paul.
This gentleman, examined before the couuscU, Who had instructed
' The cross-beam that supports and unites the rafters of a house.
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 401
him so to doe ? answered, He was moved in conscience, without
anie counseU, to speeke it.
24. The puncheons of powder and bullet sent from France por-
tended little peace to the kirk and countrle. Which familiaritle
betuixt the king's Majestic and the Duke of Gwise, confederated
with the Councell of Trident, who sent the admirall's head of
France embalmed, in a present to the Pope, was mislyked of all
men.
Thej sent presents, to hold his Hienesse occupied in gazing upon
the noveltie therof, whill with time they might draw him further
in their intended snare.
25. When indirect courses and coloured craft could not serve, they
tooke a plaine banner ; banding in expresse and open words against
the kirk, and would abide none that were under familiaritle with
the ministers : disgraced and discredited, molested and oppressed
them, (so farre as In them lay, for feare of the people ;) reserving
his full rage till farther opportunltle.
He plucked iraperiouslie Lindsey by the cloke, from his Majestic
in Dalkeith, the time that the eldership of CTlasgow was charged
to come thither.
26. He not onlie disposed small benefices to unworthic and un-
qualified persons, selling them for money, but also, he past the
bishoprick of Glasgow in an unaccustomed forme, plena jure, and
without admlssloun of the kirk, against all lawes and practise of
the realme, for his owne galne, unto one Montgomrle ; a man, am-
bitious, perjured, seditious, and manle wayes Infamous, for the
which most justlle he was excommunicated.
That he might obteane the baronie of Glasgow in few-farme, to the
wracke of moe than five hundred persons. Which, whill he sued
with great rigour from Mr James Boyd, the last incumbent, he
hastened his death through displeasure. And so, this Mont-
gomrle sold him the best bishopric in the realme, before he wa.s
provided to the title therof, for five hundred pund by yeere ; which
simoniacall pactioun nather conscience nor good lawes could al-
low.
27. To the end he might sow scditloun In the kirk, he prosecuted
VOL. IV. 2 c
402 calderwood's historie 1585.
this title with all violence, so that the provinciall assemblie of seven
elderships in Lothian, and afterward the whole Generall Assemblie,
was discharged, under paine of rebellioun, to proceed in the accus-
tomed discipline, by letters importuuatlie impetrated of his Ma-
jestic.
The duke wrote his letter to the Bishop of Glasgow, which was read
at his table in Parise, that he had found out one who would find
aU the ministers in Scotland eneugh to doe.
28. Command was givin, not to proceed in the executioun of the
ecclesiasticall censures against manifest and obstinat offenders.
29. They caused his Majestic to take upon him and his privie
counsell, to be judges in cognitioun of maters mere ecclesiasticall,
and concerning the doctrine of the preachers.
30. Acts of counsell, and proclamatiouns published, for suspend-
ing and annulling the sentence of excommunication orderlie pro-
nounced ; and the person excommunicated familiarlie interteaned,
as Weill in D'Aubigney's hous as in court ; with command to the
Lords of Sessioun to grant him letters conforme, notwithstanding
the said sentence, against all lawes and practise.
The long travell and processe, als weill before the Lords of Sessioun
as particular and Generall Assembleis, declare these troubles
largelie.
31. The eldership of Edinburgh, Linlithquo, Dalkeith, travelled
to Stirline : the eldership of Glasgow, now to Stirline, now to Edin-
buro-h, now to Dalkeith, and last to Perth ; putt to importable ex-
pences ; ather delayed from place to place, or dismissed with minas-
sing and mocking.
The king's Majestic confessed he did not know of their calling at
some times. They were called twentie-nine severall diets to one
place or other. Mr Johne Davidsone was minassed to be killed
for excommunicating of the said Montgomrie, so that, by the
space of ten Sundayes, he was frequentlie convoyed to the kirk
with his freinds.
32. (1.) Some for not satisfeing his desire, contrarie to law and
conscience, were layed wait for, to be trapped in the way. (2.) Some
suspended from preaching, and banished from their flockes. (3.)
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 403
Others beaten, had then- blood shed, sitting in judgement ; and
after were imprissouned, indicia causa. (4.) Others being sum-
mouned to the chamberlan air, to make them and their doctrine
odious, (wherin their partie was judge,) could looke for nothing
but extreme rigour and death, when before time the libertie of the
lawes (commoun to all others) were refused to them, by expresse
commandement of the said D'Aubigney.
(1.) Mr Andrew Hay, Mr Thomas Smeton. (2.) Johne Durie
sould have beene killed by the duke at Dalkeith, if the king had
not withstood it ; and sindrie times was layed for at other places.
(3.) Mr Johne Howesone and others ; some barons' childrein,
schollers, as Edward Cunningham, sonne to Drumquhassill,
Thomas Davidsone. (4.) Mr Andrew Hay, Mr Thomas Sme-
ton. These having purchassed advocation to the Justice-Gene-
rall, (whose judgement they meant never to declyne,) the receav-
iug of their sureteis in the ordinarie maner was differred and re-
fused, that they being denounced rebells, their escheats might
be disposed on.
33. For the withstanding of their attempts, and for rejjroving
their vice, sindrie of the ministrie were accused in counsell with
a fearefuU countenance, hardlie escaping their violence, their death
being conspired.
Mr James Lowsone, Mr David Lindsey, Mr Walter Balcalquall,
and Johne Durie.
34. D'Aubigney caused Mr David Makgill penne a most slan-
derous and untrue proclamatioun, and induced his Majestie to caus
publishe and print the same, traducing certan of the nobilitie and
ministers of seditioun and other heynous crimes ; and another pro-
claiuatioun immediatlie ensued, wherin all Assembleis of the kirk
were discharged. So, during the time of his abode in Scotland, he
held the whole ministrie in continual! warefare and inimitie.
This flowed from the counsell which William Archibald brought
home immediatlie before, namelie, that the cheefe patrons of reli-
gioun sould be first ridde out of the way.
35. He had concluded to change the most learned and zcal-
gus ministers planted iu most populous congregatiouns unto the
404 caldekwood's histoiue 1585.
most barbarous theeves in the dales and borders ; to make his
forged bishop, Montgomrie, modifier of their Uvings at his discre-
tioun, according to the counsel! of the said Montgomrie, which
was found in Dalkeith, writtln with his owne hand, yitt extant to
shew.
36. Wlien complaint was offered by tlie commissioners of the Ge-
neral! Assemblie, of all these, and manie other greeves, in stead of
redresse, new injureis were added : and these religious counsellers
moved his Majestic, to the greefe and dolour of all his good subjects,
publictlie, in Perth, upon a Sunday, before noone, in the kirk, to
tak upon his Majestic to be the author and doer of these forsaid pe-
rellous proceedings, and not to cast the burthein therof upon his
cousine ; and privatlie, to subscribe a commissioun of the 2d of Au-
gust, directorie to the chambcrlane, for punishing the expelling of
the excommunicated person out of the toun of Edinburgh, fdone ac-
cording to the lawes,) upon the magistrats, ministers, and cheefe
professors within the toun of Edinburgh. Which was concluded to
be, by pulling out of the pulpit of Edinburgh the cheefe minister,
and planting of the said excommunicated bishop in his roome ; be-
sides great crueltie and tyrannic in bodie and goods upon the best in-
habitants, unlesse God had, in mercie, prevented the same.
He threw out manie proclamatiouns be times, to blind the eyes of
the people ; protesting his professing of the true religioun, which
rather increassed suspicion than purgation of himself.
Lord Seton, privie of all the intended conspiraceis, having an aunt
of his, of the hous of Gosfiu-de, latelie before maried to a mini-
ster, Alexander Foster of Tranent, sent secreitword to her, that
he was sorie that she had maried a minister ; for, if she had
knowne that he knew what was to come on them, she would not
have maried one of them. Which thing she told her husband.
,37. The duke being admonished oftentimes, privatlie, and some-
times publictlie, to remove from his companie the excommunicated
person whom he interteanned, preferred at the table to the ancient
nobilitie, professors of religioun, yitt he would not reforme. And at
one severall time, admonished from the pidpit of Perth, attempted to
railc against the minister, calling him "Pultron, villane;" and had in-
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 405
sisted therin, if he had not beene stayed by the king, who putt his
hand on his mouth : and by Mr Peter Young and James Murrey,
who pulled him doun in his seate ; and after sermon, declamed in
great rage against the whole ministrie, and speciallie avowing that
the whole world sould not save that minister of Perth, but he would
thrust him through wuth a rapper. Whom he caused to be called
and accused before the Secreit Counsell, and discharged from his
owne pulpit, withholding the king's Majestic from hearing preach-
ing all the while he was in that toun,
38. Arran, after the duke's departure from Scotland, confessed
priville to sindrie, that he was so farre moved for love toward re-
llgioun, the king and countrie, through the manie abusses of the
said duke, that he Avould putt violent hands upon him, and declared
the same to sindrie of the nobilitie ; promising, that if they would
but afterward allow the act, to bi'Ickwall two bullets in his bellle.
39. Whill these things are done in Scotland, (In the same day
that D'Aublgney had sent Montgomrie with a number of the guarde
to intrude him in the pulpit of Glasgow, and expell Mr David
Wemes, minister therof,) was the Prince of Orange shott, with the
foreknowledge of D' Aubigney ; and conspiracie at Dubllne in Ire-
land ; and Mr William Crichton, Principall of the Jesuits, at
Lyons, sent into Scotland, for the great work that was in hand.
So Weill did the enemeis accord to subvert religloun, with commoun
intelligence at one time in all countrels.
It may surelie be proved that Alexander Stewart of Blacknesse
and others, the duke's cheefe familiar counsellers, spake it on the
morrow after, when by no speed intelligence could be had therof.
If the historeis of France, Germanie, Spain, and England, be
marked at the same time, the enemeis sail be found bussie also.
Mr William Crichton was charged by the Catholicks to returne,
under paine of losse of his pensioun out of the Queen of Scot-
land's rents.
406 calderwood's historie 1585.
II.
THAT THE DUKE AND ARRAN OF OLD SOUGHT THE WRACKE OF
THE king's MAJESTIE's SOULE, BODIE, HONOUR, CRO^VNE, AND
ESTATE.
Soule.
1. Of the former notes, their diligence and intentioun is cleerlie
proved, to pervert his Majestie's educatioun, and avert his Majestie's
minde frome religioun, the ministrie, and all good men ; and so,
first to kill his soule with Papistrie, idolatrie, superstitioun, or
atheisme.
2. Before the repairing, first of Captane James Stewart to the
castell of Stirline, and soone after of D'Aubigney into the countrie,
it is certane, no disciple was more obsequent to his maisters, no
youth more abhorred banning, swearing, filthie communicatioun,
lees, flatterie, intemperancie, dissimulatioun, suspicions, covetous-
nesse, ingratitude, breache of promise, and suche vices which might
ather corrupt his Majestie's minde andmaners, or staine his prince-
lie reputatioun.
This was in the 13th yeere of his age.
D'Aubigney, the 8th of September 1579, came into Scotland.
Soone after the duke's comming, he intended to transport him
to Dumbartan from the castell of Downe, and so to have taikin
him to France ; wliich purpose failing, by prevention of the no-
bilitie about him of the hous of Mar.
3. But after their familiar accesse to court, his Majestie's chaste
eares were frequentlie abused with unknowne Italian and Frenche
formes of oaths, the maistresse of all bawdrie and villanie ; then
Ladie Marche infected the air, in his Hienesse' audience ; the
punishment appointed with his Majestie's domesticks before, for
oaths, lees, and flatterie, were remisse and forgottin ; dayes were
turned into nights ; misreports and suspiciouns of all men resusci-
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 407
tated, witlioiit place left to purgutioun, (unlesse it liad beene deere-
lie bought ;) each one shew their cunning in craftle componino*
lees ; that Matchiavellian principle, Qui nescit dissimidare, nescit
regnare, continuallie beaten in his Majestie's eares by Arran, past
doctor of that art. They used faire words, with counterfoote coun-
tenance, to them against whom present mischeefe was intended ;
cruell covetousnesse tooke place to take possessioun, before the
death or convicting of the owner ; requitting all good offices with
evill keeping of promises, as they might serve the turne. In which
infamous exemples and monstrouous maners, it was more than mer-
vellous that his Majestie's good nature had not beene carled aside,
if God, of his goodnesse, had not uphoidin his heroicall inclina'
tioun in the middest of so manie tentations,
Arran and Ladie Marche made their acquaintance in Stirline. She
was no better keeper of the Sonne's bodie, by countenance, ges-
ture, and unwomanlie behaviour, than the Ladie Reresse was to
the mother.^
The commoun saying was, that the king might take some bonnie
lasse, were not the ministers would find fault with it ; and named
in speciall his minister's daughter,
They hanted Dalkeith and Kinneill, and other places, careing
their harlots about with them ; and so whoordome was more fre-
quent than princelie exercises.
4. Alwise these two foullie misused his tender age, travelling (so
farre as in them lay) to hazard his Hienesse' honour, and to staine
his good fame, amidst his owne subjects, and all forrane natiouns.
Where the most godlie learned in Europ dedicated bookes to his
praise, they doubt now in silence where to this new nurture sail
come.
Bodie, Crowne, and State.
5. The said D'Aubigney, carelesse of his life or death, indanger-
' This Lady Reresse was the principal attendant and female favourite of Queen
Mary, who, after having been the mistress of Bothwell, promoted his intrigues and
marriage with her sovereign. Her licentious character and shameless proceedings
form a considerable episode in Buchanan's " Deleciio Mai ice, Ecgina Scotorum."
408 calderwood's historie 1585.
ed his Majestie's persoun, committing the same to the furieof most
untamed horses.
He fell off a hors that ranne away with him, above Montrose, his
foot hanging in the stirrop.
6. He traffiqued, without advice of the counsell, for associatioun
with his Majestie's mother in conjunct authoritie, Avhereby his title
and coronatioun might be questionable, so solemnelie before con-
firmed in Parliament ; and that all things past in kirk and policie
might be cast in non-entrie, and be turned upside doun. Which
associatioun, the queen-mother, and Mr Nans,' her secretar, con-
fessed, albeit they deny it, and the Maister of Gray, in the king's
name.
George Dowglas, brother to Lochlevin, confessed that he was im-
ployed unto France about this practise, and that the duke had
cheefelie directed him thither ; and also, that tlie said duke sent
letters to the king's mother, and receaved letters from her, about
the same associatioun.
7. To this end, he moved his Majestic to receave the most no-
torious changers of court, and perellous practisers, as onlie counsel-
lors ; who brought the good regent, the Erie of Murrey, to [the]
grave, and his mother to exile, and had wearied their witts and
pennes traffiquing with France and Spaine, to plucke the crowne
off his head.
Sir Robert Melvill, and his brother, James, Mr Johns Matlane,
Sir James Balfour, Mr David Mackgill, advocat, the Lord of
Downne.
8. That they might pay home again, and requite his Majestic the
wracke of themselves and their freinds in the Castell of Edinburgh,
and civill warres betuixt Edinburgh and Leith, wherof his Majestic
had beene the head. For who can beleeve that they will not call
that to remembrance, and preasse to be avenged on his person, for
that which they can never forgett nor forgive in others ; or that they,
who had beene counseliers and actors in the murthcr of the father,
' Or, more properly, Naue.
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 409
grandfather, and tutors, Avill spaire the nephew or sonne, or like to
see the puple continue long in prosperitie ?
9. These pernicious plagues intised his Majestic to cast off his
old and most constant freinds, preservers of his person, with hazard
of their owne lives, lands, goods, eflfusioun of their blood, and losse
of their freinds, so that all they that had done most valiantlie in
his service were discredited ; they who had receaved for their ser-
vice anie office, pensioun, or other rewaird, were spoiled therof ;
manie banished ; the names of the nobilitie that sould have suffered
Avere in all men's mouths. So did the successe prove, that it was
no foolish feare made them suspect their owne perrell ; the death
of others conspired ; one of his most trustie regents and counsellers
(who sett and held the crowne on his head, and punished the
murther of his father and two regents) beheaded for his rewaird ;
upon whose fidelitie and wisdome his Majestic might safelie have
stayed himself, in all his civill and forraine troubles.
Command being givin to repossesse some of them that were for-
faulted before that their pacificatioun was allowed by parliament,
and that no suspensioun sould be granted against the same, not-
withstanding the lawfull causes preponed.
10. By the contrarie, they induced his Majestic to admitt fami-
liarlie to his presence all the old enemeis, invaders of his life and
crowne, with displeyed baner and open hostilitie ; mainteaners of
the murther of his father, grandfather, and regents ; wherof manie
were brought home and restored, and some rewairded with the
lands, rents, and offices of others, upon whom (as for the most part
Papists, untrue to God, and so not true to man) his Hienesse can
never soundlie repose himself. Whereby it sail come to passe, that
upon anie substantiall commotioun, (in this inverting the settled
estate of his comraoun wealth, and renting asunder the realme ;
changing his sure freinds into malcontents, who now can not leane
upon his Majestie's good affectioun, and by the contrarie, turning
his old foes in new dissimulate freinds, upon whom his Majestic
can not depend,) his Majestie's royall persoun and crowne, of neces-
sitie, sail be cast in suchc an inextricable labyrinth, ut ipsa salus, si
vellet salvare, nequeat.
410 calderwood's iiistorie 1585.
III.
NOTES PROVING THAT THE DUKE OF LENNOX AND ARRAN OF OLD
SOUGHT THE WRACKE OF THE COMMOUN WEALTH OF THE
REALME.
1. The duke being a stranger, so impyred above all the pceres
of the realrae, that he bragged and held them abandouned, as
slaves to satisfie his inordinat appetit ; and used them onlie so
farre as they might serve for his owne commoditie.
2. The king's domesticks in all offices changed at his pleasure,
•without anie recompence for long service, almost upon their owne
expences.
3. The maters of estat were not governed by advice of nobilitie,
but as was concluded in a cabinet, with a few of his mother's
counsellers.
4. He obteaned an act, that nothing passing without his sub-
scriptioun and advice sould be valuable ; intrusing himself, as
viceroy, that his gaine might be the greater, for making mer-
chandice of justice, his Majestie's eare, and of all things occurring,
so that nothing could be done but by his mediatioun, which must
be by some interpreter deerelie hyred.
5. They left no meane unassayed which might make money, or
anie profite unto them, in so farre as they oppressed the whole
estate to mainteane their ambitioun, and prodigalitie in superfluous
apparell and delicacie, so that, by justice courts, the poore of the
countrie (without difference of the guiltie from the innocent) were
sold and ransomed at hundreth punds the score. In which judge-
ments, the Papists (noted with some infamie) were constituted
judges for the -wracke of the Protestants, whom that monster of
nature, called Countesse of Arran, sitting in judgement, controlled
at her pleasure.
It is shame to heare what was spent upon one goose, a pycke, one
measse of long kaile, and ordinarilie on butter, consumed in the
fire.
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTL.^JN^D. 411
This ladie sitting in judgement, commanded the ignorant to answere
directlie to her ; and caused siudrie to be hanged that wanted
their compositiouns, saying, What had they beene doing all their
dayes, that had not so much as five pimds to buy them from the
gallows ?
6. Not onlie knowne Papists, but also some partakers in the
murther of his grandfather, were intruded magistrats over bur-
rows, who had beene cheefe defenders of the king's authoritie ; to
trouble tlie kirk and studies of the schollers, and wracke of the
mainteaners of the king's cau.s, persued by them.
As Phairnihirst over Jedburgli, others over Glasgow.
7. The best burgesses of Edinburgh were banished in good num-
bers often times from their houses, never being called nor convicted
of anie ci'ime, but onlie delated by the malice of their evill willers ;
who behoved to redeeme their libertie with great bribes in money,
Jewells, and other coastlie geir. And he had the names in scrolls
of the most zealous burgesses in all the realme, to handle them af-
ter that or some more cruell maner, in the chamberlane court.
8. For their owne particular commoditie, they so tossed and
raised the money, changing it for bribes In suche sort, that that
Avhich was coined and current the first yeere was cryed doun, and
commanded to be brought again to the coining-hous the nixt yeere ;
to the commoun losse of the whole countrie, and to make the king
to sucke the blood of the poore, in scraipping their goods, wherof he
sould be the defender.
9. They stirred up and fostered inimitie and deadlie feed through
all the corners of the countrie, to purchasse the more dependers upon
their service, to make the fatter escheats to fall. They made plaine
oppositioun to the agreements of parteia standing at variance.
They fostered the feed betuixt the merchants and craftsmen, as
speciallie in Edinburgh, to be mainteaned by the one, and bribed
by both.
10. They enarmed with blanke letters the most cruell men in the
countrie, who had committed sindrie deteastable murthers with their
owne hands, to take and apprehend whomsoever they pleased ; to
412 calderavood's histopje 1585.
raise fire, seige houses, kill, without cognitioun of the guiltinesse of
anle crime in them, expresHe against good order used in the dayes
of his Majestie's noble progcnitours.
William Stewart, &c.
11. Thus, the order of justice andpolicie of therealme was mi-
serablie inverted, and one might have espied the livelie image of a
disordered commoun wealth ; in so muche as they spaired not to
threatten the Senators of the Colledge of Justice, for not satisfeing
their partiall sute, against lawes and practises, and turned the seate
of justice into a merchant's shoppe. So that, in their gracelesse go-
verneraent, they looked for nothing but when they sould have beene
taikin, one and one, out of the judgement-seate, and committed to
prissoun, or banished, when anie thing proceeded contrare to their
appetite and intentioun, or where they favoured and requeisted.
12. The best men of all estats in the realme were called, ac-
cused, and, upon supposed faults, manie wise afflicted ; when liber-
tins, murtherers, adulterers, incestuous persons, had free accesse to
court, counsell, and sessioun, and no fault found with them.
The Laird of Innermarkie, fugitive for a foule murther, was brought
home and pardouned for a bribe, with manie others.
13. In the meane time, that the duke and Arran bare swey in
court, of verie manie bloodie shirts shewed unto the king, few com-
mitters of the slaughter were punished, but borne out and sold, ac-
cording to their affections and favour.
14. By running the Frenche course, they will, in the end,
abandoun the whole countrie to the tyrannic of France, from the
which, God of his mercie delivered us, in the late memorie of man.
15. By the associatioun with his mother, and pendicles therof,
they most certanlie conclude, that whatsoever was done by his
faithfull servants since his Majestie's coronatioun, sould be compted
plaine usurpatioun, seditioun, and conspiracie ; and they who me-
rited best in his Majestie's minoritie, in his service, sould be es-
teemed tratours and rebellious ; on the other part, they who main-
teanned his mother and her crueltie, to be richelie rewarded, as
1585. OF THE KIRK OP SCOTLAND. 413
good and loyall subjects. Of which sail ensue the utter overthrow
of the one, and best halfe of the realine, not onlie of the nobllitie,
barons, and burgesses, but also of the commonaltie ; their lands,
goods, and offices, to be appropriated to their enemeis, to tyrannize
the more freelie over the whole.
16. The duke proponed in the three moneths lingering, to have
murthered the nobilitie remaining at Halyrudhous for the time, if
his ti'easonable conspiracie had not bcene discovered, the verie
night appointed for the executioun therof. All which things are
so cleere that they admitt no contradiction.
He intended to sticke Angus, Lindsay, and Glames, and hang
Gowrie and Blantyre.
IV.
NOTES PROVING THAT THE DUKE OF LENNOX AND ARRAN SOUGHT
OF OLD TO BREAKE THE AMITIE BETUIXT BOTH THE REALMES.
1. The lovers and fosterers of the kindlie amitie betuixt his Ma-
jestic and the neerest princesse to him in blood, neighbourheid,
lawes, maners, conditiouns, and customes, language, and religioun,
were hated, discredited, disdained and banished, or under colour of
justice murthered.
The Dowglasses, Gowrie, Marr, Boyd, Lindsay, Maister of Glames,
Forbesses, and the whole ministrie, &c., Morton, regent.
2. The cheefe invyers and invaiders of the said amitie onlie lived
in credite, or rewairded with the offices, rents, and livings of the
other.
Crawfurd, Seton, Maxwell, Ogilvie, Livingston, &c.
3. Horses and other presents, cheefelie taikin and givin with
France, their horse-keepers weill interteaned and rewairded for no
good offices.
Montbinieau, Le Croy, Sieur Paul, &c.
4. Her Majestie's ambassador in their time misused with famous
libells affixed on his doore ; narrowlie espied who did repaire to
414 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1585.
him, and some punished for resorting to him, by procurement of
the duke and Arrane. He had no good countenance of the cheefe
courteours, by whose procuring, further crueltic was attempted
against him, contra jus gentium.
Mr Randulph. A liacquebutt charged with two bullets was sliott
in at his chamber-window, where he usuallie satt, while he loodged
in Alexander Clerk's, Proveist of Edinburgh, who compleaning,
no searche was made for the offender, as apperteaned.
5. Her Majestic was not suffered to send an ambassader of hers
into Scotland, whill daylie packetts and messingers were thankfullie
rec caved from France.
6. A proclaraatioun was made, inhibiting anie her Majestie's
subjects to repaire into Scotland ; and another proclamed, that
none sould carie victuals to Berwick, or repaire into England with
anie kinde of vivers, under paine of death.
Mr D. Lindsey and Mr J. Lowson, having commission to plant the
eldership of Chirnside, were accussed for traifiquing with Eng-
land, albeit they mett no man of that countrie ; Mr Patrick
Simson and Johne Cairns found fault with for shootting at Ber-
wicke.
7. Mr Alexander King, a malicious Papist, after his returning
fromc France, having made an oratioun in the Tolbuith of Edin-
burgh, that greatlie tuiched her Majestic and the commoun peace,
was so borne out by the duke and Arran, that he receaved more
allowance than mislyking therefor, notwithstanding the complaint
made therof by Mr Randulph, her Majestie's ambassader, resident
there for the time.
8. Since the time that the duke and Ari'an boore rule in court, the
wounted course of justice for redresse of disorders in the border
was not duelie ministred, as before the duke's repaire thither ; but
rather all occasiouns offered to the neerest nighbours (incace they
listed to have beene contentious) to stirre up waiTe, than anie
countenance shewed for interteanement of peace and amitie of for-
rane princes ; neglecting the freindship of all others, except suche
of Avhom no favour can be obteaned, without losse of religioun.
9. The ryding, clothing, language, and civilitie, of Frenchemen
is praised with great admiratioun, and preferred to all others ; so
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 415
that nothing can smell in their nose but that which proceedeth
from the Papists in France, to whom they are whollie addicted.
10. Their whole secreits and courses were disclosed to France,
when England was used onlie for the fashioun, and as may serve
for their present turne, to blind their eyes (if it were possible) with
words.
11. These two, and their complices, compted the small favours
shewed to his Majestie's mother and their factioun by France, a
cheefe pleasure, worthie thankfullie to be requitted with all good
offices, as occasioun can be offered.
12. But her Majestie's manic good offices shewed from his in-
fancie most liberallie, (as, speciallie, the aide of men and money,
for preservatioun of his life, libertie of his royall crowne, punishing
the murther of his Majestie's grandfather, father, and regent, for
reducing his strenths unto his Majestie's obedience, and repressing
diverse rebelliouns attempted against his person and crowne during
his infancie,) were by them reputed in his Majestie's eares cheefe
displeasures ; for the which, they not onlie laboured to alienat his
Majestie's minde, by all meanes possible, from her freindship, but
also incitated his Hienesse to be avenged, (if it be possible,) after
the subduing and controlling of the cheefe patrons of the said
amitie.
13. Whether D'Aubigney had beene sent to breake the amitie
betuixt the two realmes ; consider S"". De la Mot his petitioun at
his removing, wherin he prayed the king, that the duke being so
good a subject to France and Scotland, might remaine with him,
for the better and more willing interteaning of the points of the
amitie and confederaceis betuixt them and their realmes ; or if that
could not be, to have licence to abide at his hous ; seeking thereby
to give occasioun of new troubles.
14. There wanteth not probable arguments of consent of some
counsellers, to returne the duke with France's forces, to disturb the
quiet est at ; and using of some blankes in France, surreptitiouslie
impetrated at his departure. And Colonell Stuart affirmed, that
the king covild not in honour but call home againe the duke, ac-
416 calderwood's historie 1585.
cording to his promise made to him before his departure : and some
were re-entered in court Avho heated in his Majcstie's eares, that he
could never be restored to his former honour, nor be thought at
libertie, except he did call both him and Arran to his companie,
and sequestrat himself from their companie that were then about
him. And, indeid, they so farre prevailed, that they conqueissed his
Majestic to their opinioun.
15. At his comming to France, his rebooke susteanned of his
agents, male gestca legationis, detected plainlie the end wherfore he
was legat in Scotland.
16. Albeit his Majestic had franklie offered to apprehend the
two English practising Papists against her Majestic, who were with
the duke, and had past a commissioun to the Lord Boyd to that
effect, yitt these pernicious counsellers their agents abiding in
court, suborned his Majestie to direct one to the duke privatlie, de-
siring him to provide with all possible haste for their safetic : and
would not let the commissioun be directed out to the said Lord
Boyd, till they heard that they were departed to France.
THE REFORMATION OF THE FORSAID DISORDERS AT RUTHVEN,
THE 23d of AUGUST 1582.
1. The best affected nobilitie to religioun, king, countric, and
amitie, repairing to his Hienesse, craved, with all humilitie, re-
dresse of these former, and manie moe enormiteis ; which being
granted by his Majestie, the feare of the violence, in the mercie of
God, now removed, his Majestie being delivered from that unhappie
companie, returned againe to suche commendable actiouns within
his realme, and shewing glade countenance to all his subjects, and
speciallie to these of the religioun, mainteaners of his ownc just
cans in his youth, and best merite of the commoun wealth, and
also, offering suche thankfulnesse to her Majestie, as her manifold
benefites had justlie deserved : so that libertie was renewed to the
ministers to preachc the Word, exercise discipline, and assemble
for consultatioun of the ecclesiasticall eflfaires ; Papists, Jesuits, ex-
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 417
communicated persons, licentious libertins, and enemeis to his
crowne and fVeindship standing betuixt both realmes, ather left the
countrie, or ellis the court, or ellis stouped in silence, with exter-
nall reverence to the Word, under the discipline of the kirk ; the
ministers were restored to their flockes, the feare of the crueltie
intended against the nobilitie and all estats did ceasse ; the Sena-
tors of the CoUedge of Justice restored to their honours ; justice in
Sessioun, Counsell, and borders, renewed ; finallie, ambassaders from
her Majestic and the inhabitants of England had free accesse, at
their pleasure, to Scotland, and the wounted intelligence and freind-
ship betuixt both the natiouns, with great joy and contentatioun
of all good men, was renewed.
2. Which intentloun of the said nobilitie was not onlie gratious-
lie accepted by his Majestic as laAvfuU, honest, and good service,
with promise, that the interprisers therof (with whose companie he
was Weill pleased) sould never be accused, nor persucd therefore ;
but also was ratifeid, 1. By attcstatiouns in his princelle words ; 2.
By act of Privie Counsell ; [3.] and of the free and solemne con-
ventioun of the estats ; 4. Publict proclamatiouns at mercat croces
needfull ; 5. With promise to ratifie the same in the nixt parliament,
for their securitie ; 6. By conference with her Majestie's ambassa-
ders. Sir George Carie, Mr Robert Bowes, Mr William Davidsonc,
with credite to them, to testifie his owne good lyking, and of his
estats, of the same interprise, and the attempters therof; 7. By
two legations from his Hienesse, first, Mr Johne Colvill alone, and
therafter, by him joyned in commission with Colonell Stuart, as
their instructions beare, signed with his hand and counsell ; 8. Siu-
drie certificats writtin to her Majestic with his owne hand ; 9. His
owne affirmatioun publictlie before the counsell, and her Majestie's
ambassaders, to Monsieur De la Mott Fenelon, and by the an-
sweres writtin and subscribed to his propositiouns unto the King
of France ; 10. But also, by the Generall Assembhe of the kirk,
upon significatioun of his Majestie's consent givin by commissioun ;
11. Besides, his Majestie's command to the ministers, to proclamc
in pulpit, in the mot>t famous places of the rcalme, his good lyking
VOL. IV. 2 D
418 calderwood's historie 1585.
and contentment, both of the attemptat forsaid, and authors therof,
for satisfactioun of the people. Which warrants are all yitt extant
to shew.
1. In which course his Majestic worthilie continued in word,
writting, in whole actiouns, (and his nobilitie, as most peaceable
subjects, reposed themselves upon tliese assurances, when no far-
ther warrant could be joyned,) from the said 23d of August untill
the 28tli of June 1583 immediatlie following ; the which day Co-
lonell Stuart, after his returning from his message in England, upon
high contem])t and disdaine conceaved, through refusall of the
lands perteaning to the Ladie Margaret, sometimes Countesse of
Lennox, in a maner led captive his Majestic in the Castell of Sanct
Andrewes, without advice of his nobilitie, (a mater in itself most
treasonable and odious,) professing in word the maintenance of the
former reformatioun, and to follow a most quiett course, with ad-
vice of the most wise and grave of the nobilitie, barons, and mini-
strie, but in verie deid, a violent and subtile retreatting of all
things, and altering the whole forme of governement solemnelie esta-
blished.
The alteration at St Andrewes.
2. He prevailed so farre above his tender age and simjillcitic,
that he induced his Majestic to call againe to court the Erie of Ar-
ran, the wounted disturber of the whole estat, and to rander him-
self subject to their debordcd appetits. '
3. By which diumvirat so erected, they called in doubt the fore-
said interprisc as treasonable, under colour of his Majestie's capti-
vitie, and adjudged the authors and executers therof to be persued
as rebellious persons ; and not onlie renewed all the former abusses
and disorders with great rigour and violence, but also joynncd in-
numerable more, no lesse dangerous against religioun, the king,
countrie, and peace of both the crowns : setting aside all promises,
acts, proclamatiouns, woi'ds, writts, they turned all in the contrarie,
for exaltatioun of themselves, and the Avracke of all others.
4. First, they moved his Hienesse to illude her Majestic, by letter
of the secund of Julie, conteaning a narrative, that he had with-
1585. OF THE KIKK OF SCOTLAND. 419
drawiu himself to the Castell of Sanct Andrewes, for suretie of his
owne person ; being advertised of a conventioun in feare of warre
of some specialls of the nobilitie divided in particulars amongst
themselves, till some good order might be taikin for removing of
the inconvenience appearing to ensue therof.
At this time, the Laird of Drumquhassil and Mr J. Colvill were
wairded.
5. Conferre this former narrative with the first proclamatiou:n,
conteaning the declaratioun of their intentioun givin at Perth the
penult of Julie, plainlie giving out, in his Majestie's name, another
pretext, unmindfull of the former ; to witt, that liis Majestic, of
his owne proper motioun, tooke purpose to passe from Falkland to
St Andrewes, upon mislyking, displeasure, and offence of that fact
which fell out the former yeere, and all that succeeded theron,
which he had borne moderatlie, for preservatioun of publict quiet-
nesse; making choose of (1.) counsellers to tarie with his Hienesse,
to deliberat farther in all things needfull ; permitting (that is, charg-
ing) (2.) others not writtin for to passe home,
(1.) Crawfm-d, HuntHe, Matlane, Melvill, Segy. (2.) Marr,
Angus, Garvie, Bothwell, Argile, Marshall.
6. After these faire generalls, craftilie propouned for sylling the
eyes of the noblemen conveened, promising to take a quiett and
moderat course, with advice of the most Avise and grave of the no-
bilitie, barons, and ministrie, as said is, wherethrough all men
might see their owne suretie, without hurt or perrell to their lives,
lands, or goods, for anie offence past.
7. The rest of the proclamatiouns were more captious and con-
trarious to other ; craftilie entering peece and peece, creeping ford-
ward degree by degree, till they utttered short lie their whole mean-
ing, seeming, after they had proceeded one steppe, to relent their
course, and by separating themselves, to neglect all things, being
most bussilie occupied in the meane time to lay platts, to be exe-
cuted at their nixt meeting.
8. The nixt proclamatioun, givin at Falkland, the 21st of Sep-
tember, exponed the former, after one month's deliberation, wherin
420 calderwood's historie 1585.
they offered more speciall pardoun to them that would in time ac-
knowledge their late offence with humble and penitent hearts.
Dumfermline comming to court upon promise of his securitie, by
word to two noble men, was taikin by the colonell, and caried
captive to Lochlevin, immediatlie after he had beene intertean-
ned with faire words and glade countenance of his Majestie.
9. The thrid at Stirlin, the 24th of October, offered remissioun
to suche as sould crave the same before the 1st of December, in
effect, compelling all men to tak remissioun for the deid so manie
wayes allowed.
Lochlevin, Cambuskennetli, Paisley, Wemes, Buchan, were com-
manded to warde. But Cleish refused to enter, till he had ob-
teaned free I'emissioun for all his good service made to his Hie-
nesse since his birth.
10. The fourth proclamatioun at Stirline, the last of October,
charged all that were in danger of lawes for the Road of Ruthven,
to crave and obteane remissioun therefore, and to passe the scales,
with certificatioun they sould be invalide that passe not orderlie,
before the first day of December j and the course of justice sould
proceed against them.
Manie foreseing such untrue dealing, and fearefuU forerunners of
greater confusioun, wei'e moved voluntarilie to procure licence
to withdraw themselves for certane yeeres from their native
countrie.
11. The seventh of December, an act was subscribed at Haly-
rudhous, declaring the said Road of Ruthven to be treasoun, and
the committers therof, with their assisters and fautours, to be per-
sued that will not acknowledge tlieir offence.
12. The last of Februarie, commandement was givin to the de-
visers, interprisers, and executers of the said attempt, to use their
licences, and to depart from Scotland, England, and Ireland, and
not to returne themselves ; and that others sould no wise inter-
commoun with them, send or receave missives to or from them,
without speciall licence, and a strait discharge of their fautors to
resort Avithin tenne myles of the court ; to the end, that they being
oiice all lenioved from the realme, might be severallic called home
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAXD. 421
againe upon twentie dayes, and appearing in judgement, might be
accused and punished at the discretioun of the king's mother, or
ellis for their absence might be forefaulted.
13. Wherby it came to passe, that that part of the nobilitie pro-
fessing religioun, and best affected in the king's caus, the com-
moun weale of their countrie, and amitie betuixt both the reahnes,
ai-e all putt out of the king's grace, wherof some are, 1. ather
hid in holes, and not scene at their owne houses, {pietus causa, qui
potest cadere in constantem et innocentem virum ;) 2. or are captives ;
3. or having libertie to France and Flanders, have their licences
converted in proscriptiouns, and in effect banished, and under
feare to be called home to a Spanish inquisitioun ; 4. others
banished.
1. As mj Lord Drummond and Cathcart, the Master of Rothesse,
Lindsay, Boyd, Oliphant, Forbesse, Abbot of Inchaffrey, Laird
of Banheth, Provest of Dundie, Fadownside.
2. As Lindsay, Dumfermline, Bishop of Murrey, Tutor of Cassils,
Coldingknowes, Wedderbume, Glennegeis, Mr William Leslie,
George Flecke, James Ruthven.
3. As the Lord Boyd, the Abbot of Cambuskenneth, James Dow-
glas, Priour of Pluscardie, and Archibald his brother, the Laird
of Cleish, the Constable of Dundie.
4. Angus and Marr, Maister of Glames, Abbots of Dryburgh and
Paisley, the Laird of Carmichael, Carnock, Buchan, George and
James Douglasses, sonnes to George of the Parkheid,
14. The order is onlie altered from the former proceedings, that
.first they sail beginne at the nobilitie, to the end that they whose
authoritie or vertue they feare to withstand their attempts, being
dispeshed by one meane or other, the poore people with their pas-
tors may be a more easie prey.
15. This platt, first devised by the duke's agents in France, was
sent home with William Archibald, (as it is said,) which the duke
prosecuted so farre as he could in his time, with the advice of his
said counsellers, and left the rest in testament (5.) to these his exe-
cuters, having the same agents and counsellers instructed from
the Counsell of Trident to be furnished with the execrated treasure
appointed for the mainteanance of that warre.
422 CALDERWOOU'S HISTORIE 1585.
(5.) The Dowglasses, Gowrie, Marr, Lindsay, Boyd, Dumfennline,
and whole ministers expresslie couteanned in testament.
16. How farre they have proceeded in this their course of the
subsequent deductioun, according to the order sett doun in the for-
mer discourse, sail appeare ; and to the end it may the more brecfe-
lie be contracted, I wishe the reader to looke backe to evcrie par-
ticular in the former, and apply the same to this secund diumvirat,
except a few that be proper to the duke alone, or Arran alone, or
both conjoynned.
I.
OTHER NOTES PROVING THAT ARRAN AND COLONELL STUART
EUNNE SUCHE PERRELLOUS COURSES IN SCOTLAND AS DRAW
THE WRACKE OF TRUE RELIGIOUN WITH THEM.
1. So farre inverted and confounded is the progresse of the
Evangell, that the more zealous the preachers be, the more con-
stant that the professor hath beene, the greater is the feare, dis-
daine, contempt, an*! perrell. By the contrarie, the more mali-
cious and perverse that the Papist hath beene, the greater is his
credit, favour, boldnesse, and joy ; a visible argument that he is a
courteour neerest to honour and preferment.
2. The cheefe doctour and maister of the educatioun of the youth
in knowledge of tlie tongues and theologie was accused before
the Counsell, his partie making them judges of his doctrine by the
absolute power clamed to themselves ; his accuser was admitted
witnesse in his cans, and more credited than the sealed and sub-
scribed testimonialls of the rector and whole universitie, magi-
strats, counsell, sessioun, and eldership of Sanct AndreAves : accesse
refused to the commissioners of the Generall Assemblic, craving
to be heard for their interest ; and being purged of all things
layed to his charge, upon forged allegatiouns, was decerned to be
wairded upon his o^vne expences in the Castell of Edinburgh,
(which place, without advice of counsell, was changed to Black-
nesse,) and ordeanned to be further punished in bodie and in goods,
that he being so incarcerated, his life might await on their will. A
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 423
plaine platt layed for destructioun of the cheefe schoole oftlieo-
logle within the reahne, latelie repaired, as a counterscarpe and
bulwavke against the Parisian Seminarie. In respect of which
most partiall proceedings, being weill certified of their furtlier
malice and crueltie against him, he withdrew himself from their
tyrannic, preferring libertic to boundage, and life to death, untill
suche time as God sould grant opportunitie to make his owne apo-
logie.
Mr Andrew Melvill, Principal! of the New Collcdge of Sanct An-
drewes.
3. After the which departure, their rage uttered more of their
minde, affirming they would rather have givin ten thowsand punds
than he sould have escaped, (so muche did they feare his voice
and penne,) avouching that they sould tak another order with the
rest, not to putt in their choice to abide or goe, but first to tak and
imprissoun before they give anie warning by citatioun. Which
promise they keeped indeid ; for others of the ministrie of best
zeal and learning (whose authoritie they feared most, and who of
a long time had susteanned the wrathe of the former diumvirate)
were threatned to be apprehended before they could espy the per-
rell ; having nothing ellis justlie to lay to their charge but their
zealous care over the whole kirk, and continuance of the sinceritie
of the Evangell to the posteritie, and for discharging their owne
consciences with constancie and boldnesse to their owne flockes in
time convenient : disclosing the evident perell to religioun, the
king's estat, the commoun wealth of their native countrie, and the
freindship of Christian princes, so long confirmed by unitie of re-
ligioun.
4. And some, before they could returne from the Generall As-
semblie at Sanct Andrewes, were searched with great violence by
captans and their souldiours, their beds being thrust in with rap-
pers. Which comming to their eares, by true informatioun of the
beholders, they retired themselves, for avoiding their furic, to the
most sure girth and place of refuge commoun to all the afilictcd
members of Christ through Europe; so to reserve themselves, to
424 calderwood's historie 1585.
the further confort and commodltie of the kirk of God, untill occa-
sioun sould be offered of more convenient time, and lesse suspected
counscllers sould be constituted judges in their caus for triell of
their innocencie, according to the precept of Christ to his dis-
ciples, ratifeid by his owne exemple, and imitated and practised by
them.
Mr P. Galloway, Mr J. Davidsone, Mr J. Carmichaell, Mr Andrew
Polwart, and others.
5. The rest abiding with hazard of their lives, (trusting more
their owne imaginations concerning the moderat course promised
than their owne eyes,) are ather alreadie trapped and taikin, or
ellis compt evei'ie day and night which they escape to be so
muche gained of their libertie, not long looked for. And if they
be spaired, it is rather to be imputed to laike of leasure in their
great bussinesse than to anie good will. So that the most part
of the preachers, whose wisdome was perceaved to espie their craftie
courses, or their boldnesse to find fault therewith, or their pennes
feared to paint them out in their colours, are ather lurking in feare
for their furie, or ellis voluntarilie have withdrawin themselves ;
and the whole remnant, who seemeth to injoy greatest libertie, are
preassed to be bounded within suche limits as may serve their plea-
sures and appetits : And the libertie of the Spirit of God, which
cannot be bound, but must speeke freelie in his messingers, so farre
controlled and abandonned, as the infirmitie of weake vessells can
be brought unto.
As Mr D. Lindsay, Johne Clapperton, Patrik Gates.
6. The mouths of the rascalls are not onlie opened with allow-
ance to blaspheme God, slander his truthe, raile against his mes-
singers ; but also, the hands of manic dissolute persons, suche as
adulterers, fornicators, murtherers, whose corrupt lives could never
abide ecclesiasticall discipline, loosed, to Invade the lives and shed
the blood of the ministers of God's Word, wherof lamentable ex-
emples are in sindrie corners of the countrie.
As Mr Thomas Storie, Thomas Dowglas, Thomas Greg, James
Reid, &c.
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 425
7. Piivat missives were directed to stay the commissioners of
tlie kirk to execute acts of parliament committed unto them ;
namelie, concerning manses and gleebes, made at Edinburgh, 2Gth
Januarii 1572.
In Marche last, Alexander Carrick of Northberwick purchassed one.
8. As tulching the censures and discipline of the kirk, the me-
morie of the execution of the lawes at Edinburgh against the wrong
forged bishop, are in suche vigour and severitie renewed, with fidl
intentioun to retreate the excommunicatioun pronounced als weill
against him, as that bussie traffiquer against religioun, the king's
coronatioun, and amltie, the Laird of Fentrie; and the former exe-
cutioun of justice so highlie aggravated, that scarcelie is there anic
hope of redeeming the lives of anie suspected to have medled ther-
in with great summes of money, especiallie of the professors within
the toun of Edinburgh.
According to his Majestie's commission, signed at Perth, the 2d of
August 1582. Fentrie is familiarlie conversant in court, as
though he were not excommunicated.
9. They have called to remembrance, and begunne to punishe
with wairding, banishment, and in goods, the good affectioun of
the best affected to religioun in the king's estat, and concord with
Christian princes, within the toun of Edinburgh, who joyfullie re-
ceaved, with prayer and singing of psalmes, their pastor, having his
Majestie's licence signed to returne to his flocke.
As Adam Foullerton, Johne Bleckburne, Johne Fergusone, Thomas
Richartsonc, and manie others.
10. It is provided by Act of Parliament, at Edinburgh, 20th of
October 1579, cap. 10, that these who travell furth of the countrie
sail sue and obteane licence before their departure, with provisioun,
that they sail remaine constant in the professioun of the true reli-
gioun, and sail doe nor procure nothing to the prejudice therof, nor
his Hienesse' authoritie, under paine of barratrie ; and also, that
within the space of twentie dayes after their returning, sail offer to
give confessioun of their faith, or then remove themselves furth of
42G calderwood's historie 1585.
the realmc within twcntie dayes. Contrarie unto which acts, Pa-
pists and j)ractisers against liis Hienesse' crowne returning, are
thankfuUle receavcd in court and countrie, and mainteaned in their
Papistrle and practising in despite of the kirk.
11. The late actioun of Ruthven, and enterprises thcrof, having
so manic w\arrants of his Majestie's lyking and allowance, as is be-
fore expressed, and speciallie the act of the estats conveened at
Edinburgh, the nynth of October 1582, the verie adversareis (af-
ter solemne attesting by their oaths, that they sould reasoun and
vote according to equitie and good conscience) voting and consent-
ing with the rest without contradictioun. My Lord of Paisley,
upon the 12th of October following, in name of the noble men, inter-
prisers of that action, authorised Avith commissioun, gave the Ge-
nerall Assemblie of the kirk (then more frequentlie conveened than
at anie.othertime) to imderstand, that the grounds moving them to
their actioun simplie were, the danger they perceaved the Kirk of
Scotland and religioun into, the evident perell they saw the king's
Majestic and estat to stand in, and the confusioun and misorder of
the commoun wealth. Wherof, as they doubted not to feele good
testimonie in their owne consciences, so would they, the Assemblie
sould shew their good lyking of the same, and give ordinance to
everi? minister, at his particular kirk, to lay out their good ground
and actioun to their flockes ; exhorting all noble men, and others
faithfull whatsoever, to concurre with them in the said good cans.
12. Which informatioun being Aveill considered by the whole As-
semblie, it was thought verie expedient, in particular, to inquire and
vote if the said perrclls, and everie one of them, were scene, and
perceaved to have beene, by the Avhole brethrein ; and by full con-
sent and vote of the Avhole Assemblie, Avithout anie contradictioun
or countenance to the contrarie, declaratioun Avas made, that the
Avhole brethrein understood the concurrence of all the said dangers.
Which, with publict fist and humiliatioun latelie exercised through-
out the Avhole realme, the Avhole faithfull earnestlie prayed unto
God to be redressed; and noAV, had no lesse cans to give thanks
unto God for hearing their sighes and sobs, and so graciouslie grant-
(
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 427
ing their requelsts, and sending his rnercifull deliverance, than at
anie time since the refonnatioun of religioun within the same.
13. And to the effect that the king's Majestie's minde also might
be gathered, tuiching the same, directioun was givin from the
whole Assemblie to Mrs James Lowsone, David Lindsey, Johne
Craig, Johne Duncansone, to passe to his Hienesse the nixt day,
before noone, to reason and conferre tuiching the said dangers, and
to open up the same at lenth unto his Majestic, and to report his
Majestie's answere therin.
14. Report of the conference of the brethrein directed to his Ma-
jestic was made the loth of October 1582, in tliese words: That
his Hienesse had confessed that there was a perrell to the religioun,
and an indirect course runne to the hurt therof, wherunto his owne
perell was joyned ; for he esteemed his standing to be joynned with
the standing of religioun : As also, he acknowledged sindrie abusses
in the commoun weale, before the late interprise of the nobilitie ;
and that all good men sould concurre, of duetie, to tak away the
danger from the kirk, his person and estat, and the commoun
weale.
15. Which report it pleased his Majestic to repeate to Colonell
Stewart, instructed with subscrived commission, together with Mr
James Halyburton, Commendatare of Pittenweeme, and Proveist
of Dundie ; wherupon the said Assemblie thought it agreeable to
good conscience and their office, to givetheir judgement of the said
fact, in suche sort recommended to them by his Majestic ; and so
sett doun a speciall act, after mature deliberatioun, to satisfie their
former petitions, as at more lenth is conteaned therinto.
16. After the craftie creeping in credit of the said abusers, eight
of the ministrie were called to Sanct Andrewes, the 23d of August
1583, upon his Majestie's letter, with whom great travell was taikin,
and meanes made, to move them to agree to their new course, and
submit themselves to the wills of their new re-entred governours ;
and speciallie, to consent to the retreatting of the said act. AVhich
purpose being withstood with manie reasons, they purposed nixt to
have stayed the whole ministers' stipends, in December, untill the
428 calderwood's historie 1585.
deleting of the said act. And last, Mr Johne Grahame, instructed
with comraissioun from their counsell, insisted in an unaccustomed
maner ; minassing the Generall Assemblie conveened at St An-
drewes, the 24th of Aprile 1584, first under paines of rebellioun,
nixt of treasoun, to annull the said act, and by a contrarle act, to
condemne the said actioun as treasonable ; and travelled with the
mao-istrats of the said toun, to putt in captivitie so manie pastors as
were conveened, refuising to doe the same ; preassing thereby, if
they consented, First, To blott the whole ministrie with perpetuall
infamie, as inconstant persons, moved at everie light wind, to re-
treat their conclusiouns, and alter their sentences in the contrarie,
to satisfie the appetits and pleasures of men, how ungodlie so ever
they were : Secundlie, To make the new consent of the Assemblie
an argument to traduce the said actioun and interprisers therof, as
abominable before all nations : and, Thridlie, To trap the whole
ministrie with treasoun, who once had approved their said inter-
prise ; or, if they disassented to their petitiouns, to bring their bo-
deis and goods in extreme danger, and to be judged as tratours,
standing in defence of that fact, which they condemned as treason-
able the 7th of December preceeding.
17. And to the end that the ministrie might the more easilie be
intised, in this Assemblie, to the satisfeing of this, and manie
other their unreasonable desires, they discharged by publict procla-
mation the rest of the commissioners of the countrie and particular
provinces, who, since reformation of religioun these twentie-five
yeeres past, have ever had free accesse and libertie to vote therin
as elders, and a part of the said Assemblie ; and to consult for the
discipline of their countreis, and reteaning the puritie of the Evan-
gell amongst them.
18. And when these most captious and unreasonable petitiouns,
espied to be contrarie to conscience and the duetie of faithfull pas-
tors, were not satisfied according to their humours, they have dis-
charged in effect the whole Assembleis, and purpose to compell
everie eldership, for their owne part, to give their consent to the
retreating of that act. And to the end the more easilie they may
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 429
compasse their purpose, they have begunne to select of everie el-
dership the most learned, to intreate them according to their plea-
sure, and evill will toward them.
19. How farre these confederat enemeis to God's everlasting
truthe have abused the tender age and simplicitie of our king's Ma-
jestic, lett all and indifferent readers judge, when they induced his
Majestic suddanlie to repaire to the preaching in St Giles' Kirk of
Edinburgh, upon a Sunday, in the moneth of Marche last past, of
a determinat minde to make contradict ioun and publict oppositioun
unto the minister, being in the pulpit ; to the discouraging of all
good men, and giving mater of rejoycing to all the enemeis of the
truthe, whom they labour to gratifie ; and to make that invented
prophecie, wherewith they feede themselves, to be verified, that a
young king in the north sail be turned to the obedience of the
Romish Church.
20. And least anie sould longer doubt what mischeefes they
muse, to the wracke of true religioun, and utter exterminlng of the
professors therof, lett all that feare God meditat, to what other end
the Lord Seton hath beene choosed, and preferred before all others,
as one most raeete to be sent in ambassadge to France ; who
being an apostat from that religioun which once he did professe,
hath alwayes shewed himself the most conjured enemie that ever
religioun had within the realme ; not onlie delighting to raile
against the trathe, to slander the teachers and the professors therof,
and to condemne all discipline, but also to receave and interteane
these manic yeeres the cheefe practisers against religioun, and
speciallie Mr Holt, whom he interteaned, before and since his
captivitie in the Castell of Edinburgh. Vide his citatioun before
the Presbyterie of Hadinton, provinciall assemblie of Lothiane,
accusatioun for interteaning of these, [1.] and excommunicated per-
sons ; banketting Phairnihirst in time of public fast ; interteaning
mercats on the Sabbath day ; not communicating these twentie
yeeres ; his sonnes, Robert and Johne, excommunicated for Pa-
l)istrie. In a Generall Assemblie, 13th Augusti 1573, sess. 7, the
said Robert and Johne Setons gave in supplicatioun, desiring to
430 calderwood's historie 1585.
be absolved from the sentence of excommunicatioun pronounced
against them for Papistrie. The Kirk ordeanned the Superin-
tendent of Lothian, witli so manie ministers as he wouhl assume
to him, to take order witli them, and if they will obey, submitt
themselves, and subscrive the articles of faith, and sweare to the
obedience of the king's Majestic, to receavc them to the bosome of
the kirk, according to the order therof. It followeth, therefore,
that they being absolved, that first they subscrived the articles of
religioun, and submitted themselves to the discipline of the kirk,
appointed a time to communicat ; wherin they are truthe break-
ers and apostats.
[1.] As namelie, Johne Markinfeild, Mr William Cricliton, calling
himself Maxwell, Robert Collinwood, William Holt, naming him-
self Mr Pater.
21. His Sonne, Alexander, through hypocriticall professioun of
religioun, (admitted in the Pope's dispensatioun,) being repouned
to the Pryorie of Pluscardie, hath uttered, not obscurelie, his prac-
tising against religioun ; and in one massacre, to cutt the throats
of the professors therof, as his letters, directed to the Generall
Propositor of the Jesuits at Rome, of the date, at Seton, 9th
Novembris 1582, intercepted with William Holt, cleerelie testi-
fie, wherof these are the words following : —
22. "Therefore, when there sail be anie interprise to execute,
for the reformation in these parts, (whereto I would your Father-
hood sould endeavoure day and night,) it sould be needfull, that
both there, and in Spaine and France, all things sould be readie
prepared before we speeke a Avord heere ; becaus things heere are
so mutable, and subject to so manie alteratiouns, that these things
which to-day make for us, to-morrow may be revolted to the con-
trarie. Yitt, for all that, I doe not thinke that the alteratioun of
maters can be suche, but that they may finde both places and per-
sons, and other commoditeis, to serve to our purpose, so that they
be taikin in time. The Reverend Father, Mr Holt, who had
remained heere a good space, with great satisfactioun and conso-
latioun of all these with whom he hath dealt and negociated, can
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTL^^J^fD. 431
informe your Paternitie more particularlie and fuUie of all these
things. Therefore, remitting myself to his information, I will
heerewith ceasse. Taking my leave, I kisse your hands, recom-
mending myself to the holie prayers and sacrifices of your Father-
hood, with commissioun, to present my most humble dutie to his
Holinesse, desiring his most holie blessing."
Lett the reader consider, whether his father had beene acquainted
with these letters and practises, or not.
23. And yitt, this papisticall prelat, and pensioner to the Pope,
not onlie iujoyeth the patrimonle of the kirk, but is accompted
most worthie to be collaterall, and joynned in commission with his
father, in this solemne message : who both standing under the dis-
cipline of the kirk, and danger of the lawes of the countrie, dis-
semble not their malice against the cheefe preachers and profess-
ours of religioun.
24. Yitt these new found counsellors have thought these most
meete, with whom his Majestic sould direct most friendlie letters,
writtin with his owne hand, to the King of France, the queen-
mother, Duke of Gwise, and to the bishops justlie forefaulted, for
repyning against his authoritie.
25. What may be conjectured of Sir Johne his sonne, a Spanish
knight, (De la Bocko,) and pensioner, negociating presentlie in
Spaine, by privat commissioun, is partlie disclosed, and in time
will more evidentlie appeare.
2G. Besides this, another bishop called of St Andre wes, who
never entered in at the doore, but craftilie creeped in, like a foxe,
through begged missives, being suspended from preaching for his
schisraaticall doctrine, consulting with witches, his filthie and idle
life, untill, upon farther prooves, he might be deposed and excom-
municated, is found out as the more apt to be instructed with
commissioun to travell, not onlic to sett the counsellors and bishops
of England by the cares with the ministrie within this realme, but
also to steale and beg letters and sentences from the ministers of
the Frenche kirk at Londoun, Thedore de Beza, Gwalter, and
other learned men ellis where, against the forme of discipline
432 caldehwood's historie 1585.
within the realme, (which his corrupt maners could never abide ;) to
which end he had, according to the poysoun of his owne malicious
mindc, thowed, perverted, and collected some maimed portiouns of
the Discipline of the Kirk of Scotland, in odious positiouns and
articles, to bring the ministrie in contempt by lees and slanders,
that thereby he might take occasioun, at greater libertie, to in-
veygh and oppugne, as he giveth out, the Discipline of the Kirk
of Scotland, (wherof he is ignorant, and wherewith he never vexed
his braine ;) but in verie deed, to refute his owne forged and cap-
tious cavillatiouns, excogitated, as said is ; to the end that he
might live unpunished, the more licentiouslie and ambitiouslie im-
pyre above the kirk of God. In which journey, he hath disclosed
his venome conceaved against the truthe, and shewed not obscure-
lie, that he hath made shipwracke of faith and conscience, when as
he hath affirmed, that permitting of libertie of conscience within
Scotland sould serve best for the king's standing, and quietting
of his subjects.
I.
NEW NOTES PROVING THAT ARRAN AND THE COLONELL RUNNE
SUCHE COURSES IN SCOTLAND, AS DRAW WITH THEM THE
WRACKE OF THE KING's MAJESTIe's SOULE, BODIE, HONOUR,
CROWN, AND ESTATE.
1. As these candie captans have intised his Majestic alreadie to
consent to many things careing with them (if they be prosecuted)
the utter ruinc of true rcligioun, so, it is not any more to be
doubted, but by continuance of these two pernicious persons, his
Hienesse, by reasoun of the tendcrnesse of his young yeeres, sail
be compelled by their pcrswasiouns to admitt and committ manic
things, including in them I'cmcdilesse danger not onlic of his
bodic, fame, crownc, and estat, but also his towlc.
2. ^\ hat is it to pcrrcll his soulc and bodio, if this be not? — to
bait his Majestic with the blood of two of his noblemen, and neerest
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 433
kinsmen, who have lost the lives of their deerest freinds in main-
tenance of his crowne and authoritie ? The first, at his last
words before famous witnesses, spake these words : — •' Lett never
God be mercifull to me, if ever I meant, directlie or indirectlie,
hurt to the king my master, but meant alwayes his weale ; and I
sail never aske God mercie, for anie evill that ever entered into my
heart against the king. Yea, there was nothing I regarded in this
life more, than that he sould be brought up in vertue and godli-
nesse ; and I say more, if I had beene als carefull to serve God,
and walke in his favour, as I was to serve the king, I had not
beene brought to this point." The secund wished, at the houre of
his death, that nature had granted a window in his breast, that
his Majestie might behold his tender love and good affectioun to-
ward his ]Majestie, together with his earnest care for his prcser-
vatioun, and peaceable establishing of the crowne in his hands,
and his surname.
They payed his Majestie's debts aughtand to Gowrie, as Sir
James Hammilton was payed in the dajes of King James the
Fyft.
3. What can be more prejudiciall to his Majestie's honour, than
to make his Majestie freelie to remitt the murthers of his father
and deerest regents ; and in favours of tliera and their heyres, to
violat Acts of Parliament, and dispense with all lawes ; and in
the meane time, never to be appeased with anie having art or part
of the just punishment of Seigneur David, that notable abuser of
his father, the whole nobilitie and countrie ?
4. What can more staine his credit and royall reputatioun, than
to move his Hienesse, so lightlie to regard the breache of all
promises made, ather to his owne subjects or forrane princes?
5. Who caused his Majestie, after he had promised to the Mas-
ter of Forbesse, to write to the Erie of Huntlie, for exempting of
him, his servants, and freinds, from his lieutenantrie, and caused
him forme the letter in that same sense to be subscribed, so sud-
danlie to alter his opinioun, and to write to the Erie Huntlie in
the flatt contrarie ; to putt so manic good men in worse cace than
VOL. IV. 2 E
434 calderwood's historie 1585.
they were before, when as they looked, according to his Majestie's
promise, that the said letter had beene directed unto their com-
petitor ?
6. Who impelled his Majestic to committ the Lord Lindsey,
the first patron of religioun in Scotland, and cheefe protectour of
his person and crowne, the manfull avenger of the murther of his
father and regents, in the hands of his deidlie enemie, Mr Johne
Matlane, to be transported to Tamtallan, in the custodie of the
Hepburn es, old invaders of his owne crowne, after he had beene so
lovinglie called to his Hienesse' person and service, by letters writtin
at his command, and others subscribed with his hand, besides pub-
lict proclamations ?
7. Who did, and have blotted his Majestie's name, word, and
princelie promise, but even these who, as craftie Achitophels and
deceatfull Gangclons,^ imployed their witt, counsell, and credit,
to fetche the forces of France and Spaine, and Papists of England,
against his established authoritie, to subvert the same, together
with the true religioun and freindship begunne betuixt both the
realmes ; and yitt day lie invent new meanes to draw his Majestic
in suspicioun with his nobilitie, or to stirre up some jealousie in
their hearts concerning his Majestie's evill grace toward them ; now
to trouble his whole estat, or shorten his happie governement,
which then by no open force they were able to doe ?
8. They have drawin a new young, insolent companie about him,
without gravitie, wisdome, or experience ; and so, by word or vio-
lence, moved the ancient and white haired counsellers, ather to de-
nie their presence, or excuse, by one sliift or other, their absence
from court and counsell.
9. What could tuiche his honour more with the note of inirrati-
tude and inhumanitie, than to recompence the long service of so
manie domesticall servants, (who had spent their time and living
' Ganelon figures in the romances of the middle ages as the traitor who occasioned
tlio overthrow of the French at Roncesvallos, and the death of Orlando, the cele-
brated Paladin. On this account, his name became synonymous with treachery and
baseness.
158 5. OF THE KIIiK OF SCOTLAND. 435
in hope of rewarde,) by suddane removing from his presence ; and
in place of the zealous Protestant, to plant a perverse Papist ; in
stead of one who hath constantlie mainteaned his cause, to make
choise of him that arrogantlie oppugned his authoritie ; and for fa-
vourers and fosterers of the Christian amitie, to admitt a pensioner to
the Pope, and King of Spaine or France, or his Grace's mother ;
and to promote licentious and insolent libertines in the office of
grave, modest, and godlie men ?
20th Julie 1583.
The Lords Cathcart and Paisley, Laird of Wemes, Carnock, Duni-
pace.
William, Michael, and James Elphinstons, James Preston, Wil-
liam and James Murrey of Drummond.
10. What stratageme could be more craftilie devised, for altering
his estat, and erecting his mother's authoritie, than first to grant a
letter of Lieutenentrie to the Erie Huntlie, vrhose father was actuall
with Both well at the cruell murther of his Majestie's father, in the
yairds of the Church Feild, to sitt and judge upon the Erie Mar-
shall, the Lord Forbesse, the Lairds of Buchan, Drum, their freinds
and remanant in the North, that had best served his Majestic in
his youth, when the Maister of Forbesse and the Laird of Buchan
were denounced rebels, and banished their houses and countrie ?
11. Secundlie, Another letter of the Provestrie of Dundie,andlieu-
tenantrie in Angus, to strenthen the Erie of Crawfurd against the
Maister of Glames, the old Proveist, and Constable of Dundie,
and suche others there as have givin good proofFe of their fidelitie
to his Majestic, when his crowne was in greatest danger ; the said
Maister of Glames and constable being banished the countrie.
12. Thridlie, A letter of the BaillifFrie of Glasgow to the Erie of
Montrose, by vertue wherof, he might command the Lord Boyd,
and all the weil aifected in the West of Scotland, having charge
to the Castell of Glasgow to be randered into his hands.
13. That Arrane sould be possessed with the keeping of the
castell and provestrie of the toun of Stirline, which were offices these
manie ages proper to the Ei'le of Marr and his progenltours, after
436 calderwood's historie 1585.
that the said Erie of Marr, being called to St Andrewes, (under
pretence of an amitie betuixt him and Arran,) had hardlie escaped
their furie ; and was commanded, first to remaine in Argile,
and nixt, bound by suretie to depart the countrie within short
space.
14. As the said colonell led captive his Majestie's person in the
Castell of St Andrewes, so hath he, with his collegue and their
complices, deteanned his Majestic als weill in minde as bodie,
howsoever they pretext his libertie, aggravating his former estate,
with the stile of captivitie. But lett anie indifferent and un-
suspected judges pronounce decreet, whether his Majestic appeared
to be then captive, having about with him faithfull preachers and pro-
fessors of the Evangell, who, with hazard of their lives, reft him out
of the hands of the murtherer of his father, after the murtherer had
maried his mother, and entered in possessicim of his kingdom e ;
who putt and held the crowne upon his head, his person in the
meane time not being restrained so muche as a moment without
his owne pleasure in one place, nor stayed fromc going abroad als
freelie and quietlie as ever he did before or since ; no commander
nor souldiour in his guarde, nor other servant being intrused in his
service or companie, but suche as he elected himself; no offensive
word pronounced in his audience, no instrument nor art being sett
doun to the prejudice of his honour, amongst his subjects orforrane
natiouns, or that in reasoun could have beene refused in anie free
conventioun of the estats ; no violence being attempted, for the
hurt of anie of his subjects ; especiallie calling to rainde his Ma-
jestie's manic privat and publict declaratiouns, by word and writ-
ting, in presence als weill of his owne estats as the ambassadors
of England and France ; and, namelie, that his Majestic gave for
answere in writting to Sieur de la Mot, in Februarie 1582, that he
was then in als great libertie and suretie of his person, without anie
appearand danger, as ever he was in his owne time, or anie his
predecessors before him ; and that all his subjects had free accesse
to his Majestic without feare or suspicioun, the forme of govern e-
ment remaining in the owne integritie, without anie noveltie or
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 437
alteratioun, in their hands ; that the last parliament had committed
it unto whose service his Majestic had good and long experience
of, so that none can pretend just miscontentment in the mater of
estate.
15. Or lett them declare, if his Majestic be not rather now in
captlvitie, when he is envirouned with Atheists, Papists, neutralls,
libertins, old enemeis to his authoritie, and disturbers of the com-
moun peace, when ather they had power themselves, or could pro-
cure helpe of strangers, to invade it; devisers, executers, heires,
and lineall successors to the murtherers of his parents ; being not
onlie stayed from libertie of bodie, but also forced, after manie re-
fusalls, to agree and subscribe most perellous maters highlie tuieh-
ing his honour, crowne, and ancient liberteis of his Hienesse' sub-
jects in all degrees ; especiallie by the violence of these latelie no-
bilitated gentlemen following their fortunes, and aspiring to high
honours, to the wracke of the whole ancient nobilitie, who will not
abandoun themselves to their unhappie courses.
16. And as tuiching the associatioun, Seigneur de la Mott Fe-
nelon, after he had excused the Frenche king, that he could not
visitt him by letter to that time, pretending he could not stile him
with the title of a King, whill his mother had first allowed therof,
he had in commissioun to congratulat with his Majestic, that his
mother had associated him with her in conjunct authoritie, and
had agreed that he sould be called with the title of a King dur-
ing her lyfe time, which sould make his governement lawfull, and
without all contradictioun, and to be weill approved of all other
Christian princes ; which mater he desired to be published through-
out the whole realme, in forme of declaratioun, to putt away the
partialiteis and divisions that therin might be. Wherin, how farre
the said ambassader privatlie then was satisfied, openlie bursteth
furth now in effect.
17. Finallie, to crowne this their worke, tending to the over-
throw of his crowne and whole estate, they move his Majestic to
take upon him all these strange attempts, to be author of his owne
wracke ; and to compt it a worthie mater, whereby praise may be
438 calderwood's historie 1585.
conquelssed, that by his owne ingyne he hath found out this ex-
quisite forme of proceeding against religioun, his best subjects, and
craftie colourino- for a seasoun the continuance of the amitie which,
in effect, they intend to convert in open hostihtie.
III.
NEW NOTES PROVING THAT ARRAN AND THE COLONELL RUNNE
SUCHE COURSES, AS DRAW WITH THEM THE RUINE OE THE
COMMOUN WEALTH OF THEIR NATIVE COUNTRIE.
1. Considering that the cheefe prosperitie of commoun wealths
consisteth in the defending of the good, and punishing the evil),
according to justice, the misei'ie of Scotland is more than manifest ;
wherin no good man is undistressed or without feare, no evill man
molested or without joy ; permitted to use himself unpunished, as
he pleaseth.
2. Barons, prelats, burgesses, and other free holders, allured by
word or writting, before they be accused or convicted of crimes,
are charged to free warde ; or cllis apprehended, and committed to
prison, contrarie to all writtln lawes, practises, and custome.
3. How farre hath the commoun wealth beene damnified, in
breaking doun the fynnest silver, and turning it in lower money,
procuring thereby an artificiall dearth, to the impoverishing of the
realme, the purses and garners of manie, after their maner doe
compleane, although their tongues darre not so llvelie expresse the
same. Which hath becne done in a coacted maner, by obtruding
a coine to the countrie, by the briberie of some two ; in the meane
time, the whole estate of the burrowes opponing themselves with
uniformitie of voices, and weightie reasons in the contrarie.
4. Was not the exercising of justice stayed through the whole
countrie for the space of a moneth, that none might persue nor de-
fend in judgement, before that libertie had beene deerelie bought at
their hands, not onlie that the more monie might be brought in
their boxes, but also that the whole causes belonging to them-
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAISTD. 439
selves, their frelnds and favourers, might be first conckided, wher-
in often times, by minassing or otherwise, they tooke or bought
decrees to themselves ? And since this restraint of justice is made
commoun to manie, that impudent Arrane ladie hath found out a
shamelesse scafFerie, in taking angels, crownes, and (ere she want
all) thrittie shilling peeces, to be soliciter for calling of bills.
5. Concerning the estat of burgesses, what it hath beene, and
what yoke of slaverie they have susteaned of their cruell impyre,
these three quarters of a yeere, they will not forgett manie yeeres
following, not onlie by manie publict taxes and greevous exactiouns,
beside the particular poulling of manie, wairding, imprissonment,
universall feare of all good men, but also expelling of their godlie
magistrats and counsell lawfullie choosed, and intruding of others.
Papists, deadlie enemeis to religioun, the king's coronatioun, and
the amitie of England ; fervent followers of the queen's factioun
and forrane courses, for their particular commoditie. Which craft
in subduing the burrowes they seeme to have borrowed from the
practise used in France, preceeding their troubles and massacres.
6. All querrells have beene picked, and occasiouns sought out,
to bring the wealthie burgesses in snares, for filling the emptie purses
of new and hungrie courteours. So that they hounded out the
pages to provoke the prentises, within the verie gates, and some-
times at the mercat place of Edinbui^gh, to skirmishing. And when
by patience they must digest that melancholie, and other contume-
lious injureis, at last, they intreatted the most godlie burgesses and
modest lawyers, beating them like slaves on the calsey. But these,
as beginnings of evills, were light and tolerable.
Michael Gilbert, Mr Thomas Craig, Mr Thomas Bannatyne, George
Todriche.
7. What sail be said of the ungodlie malice of him that is called
Arrane, (albeit against all lawes, equitie, and reasoun,) who, think-
ing it not eneugh to defile himself with the wife of one living erle,
the living of another, and lives of two, unlesse that he move others
to be partakers of the like adultereis, murthers, and unspeakable op-
440 calderwood's iiistokie 1585.
pressioun ; intysing some of the nobilitie, with the seminarie of dis-
cord, to shaike off their laAvfull wives, and marie others ; to take
hold on the livings of others before they be convicted, or denounced
rebells ;, and to stirre up others to accuse another sort, of odious
and treasonable crimes, to make manie fellowes of his maners, that
is, erles, lords, or barons, of no better conquesse than his owne ?
8. The treacherous and adulterous life, wherewith Colonell
Stewart hath polluted England and Flanders of old, and Scotland
of late, wold require a more severall historic than this breefc de-
duction will admitt.
9. The earth cannot beare the impietie and intolerable pride of
these two startups, who, albeit they be borne inheritours to nothing,
yitt have they devised opprobrious titles and ignominious stiles upon
everie one of the nobilitie, and others of his Majestie's most notable
subjects ; and have laboured, with unsufferable lees and injureis, to
deface and upbraid all men, so that few or none almost have escaped
some contumelie or violence of the one or the other.
10. The commoun table talke bcAvrayeth the poysoun of atheisme
in their hearts ; for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth
speeketh. Arran using religioun as may serve the time and turne,
as his maister, Machiavell, hath taught, spaired not to affirme, that
rather than he sould laike his honour or commoditie, he sould putt
the king, the commoun wealth, yea, and religioun it self, on six and
seven. And again, if he sould serve the devill, he would not be his
kitchin knave, but his eldest sonne, and sitt at his first measse.
The other, his SAvome brother, hath no other defence in commoun
talke, for all his violent robrie, than that he must follow his fortune,
come after what so may, and careth for offence of no man. With
whicli ethniek and brutish sentences, and other such like, fiimiliar
to desperat brigants and pyrats, who say in their heart, There is no
God, it is more than mervellous that that tender plant sould not
be further polluted than becometh a Christian prince.
11. When all things are ruled at the becke of these new shaiped
noblemen, desperatlie and ambitiouslie aspyring to be great, in what
miserie and perplexitie the kirk, king, and countrie, are wrapped,
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 441
men may more greevously lament than easilie amend. So muclie
the more pitie !
IV.
NEW NOTES PROVING THAT ARRAN AND COLONELL STEWART
RUNNE SUCH COURSES, AS DRAW WITH THEM THE BREACHE OF
THE AMITIE BETUIXT BOTH THE CROWNES.
1. Albeit her Majestic had all wajes weill merited of his Hienesse
from his youth, as his Majestic confessed by word to her ambassa-
der, and wrote with his owne hand, promising, as time and occasioun
sould be offered, to requite with gratuitie her benefites, yitt these
companiouns have provoked, indeid, his Majestic to oifer too much
cans of suspicioun of his ingratitude : which can not be imputed to
his owne inclinatioun.
21st October 1582.
2. The privat in cabinet, and publict speeches ellis where, of
the Frenche king's maners, person, and people, deserving nothing
at his hands, are alwayes honorable and loving, without despitefull
scoffing or taunting, &c.
3. What choose is made betuixt England and Finance and their
amitie, the thankfull entreating of Monsieur de la Mott, and Man-
ningvillbankettedin Edinburgh, Seton, and ellis where, commanded
by letter their departure with privat satisfactioun, (as short time
hath proved ;) and the small countenance shewed to her Majestie's
ambassaders, none having libertie, without feare of their indigna-
tioun, to receave them to hous, to speeke or shew them familiar,
their unkindlie, and thraward interteanment during their abode in
Scotland, and their departure wished, having small caus of conten-
tation, evidentlie certifieth them that are not blind, they did engyre
themselves, and come unsent for, seeking bote water under cold
yce ; uttering little good lyking of the princesse or her message,
whose arabassader they so unreverentlie, and in contempt, named
by his surname alone.
442 calderwood's historie 1585.
If tho distressed nobilitie had beene als homelie with la Mott and
Maniiingvill as they were with Mr Bowes and Mr Davidson,
thej had not incurred so high indignatioun.
4. Was not a commoun skold, called Kait the Witche, hyred for
a new plaid, and six punds in money, at one time, and with halfe
marke steiks, not onlie to raile against the ministrie, his Majestie's
most assured and ancient nobilitie, and lovers of the amitie, but
also sett in the entrie of the king's palace, to revile her Majestie's
ambassader, at Edinburgh, St Andrewes, Falkland, Perth, and
everie where, to the great greef of all good men, and dishonour of
the king and countrie ? — a deid worthilie meriting more just pu-
nishment to the hyrer than to the hyreling. Yitt she, being im-
prissouned at Perth for a fashioun, and large allowance bestowed
for her interteanement, was speedilie releeved, and brought to her
wonted craft, after the departure of Sir Francis Walsinghame, her
Majestie's ambassader for the time.
8he confessed that Arran gave the plaide, and Ci'awfurd the money.
This kinde of dealing, joyned with that which was in the duke's
time, declareth no more feare of God nor love of humanitie to
have beene in them, than was in the princes that counselled the
King of Amon uncourteouslie to intreate the messingcrs of David ;
which God left not unpunished, (2 Sam. x.)
5. The hearts of all these that feare God, wishe his Hienesse'
honour, tender their native countrie, and feare the haistie infring-
ing of the amitie, abhorre to remember the farre sought and foolish
excuses, to cloke their deceats, and manifold breaches of promises,
contrarieteis, and lees set doun in their answers, which they moved
his Hienesse inconsideratlie to subscribe ; scing the meraorie therof
is not onlie full of present reproach, but will be transferred by re-
gister to the posteritie.
6. Consider, good reader, and compare the ambassaders sent
from these dissimulate freinds of the peace, to France and S[iaine,
to intreat in great affaires of that estat, and the others legat to
England ; the one bearing at least a name of nobilitie, (whom, never-
thelesse, Atheisme or Papistrle, conjoyned with cruell conspiraceis
against Christ and his truthe established in both the realmes, hath
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 443
more stained, than birtlior good maners hath nobilitated ;) the other,
an hifamous bellie-god, deboshed bishop, and knowne Holiglasse,
1st, Sent to make the ministers of God's Word, and the rest of her
Majestie's best affected freinds within Scotland, odious ; 2d, And
to inslnuat the present misguiders in court, (if it were possible,) in
her Majestie's favour, by presuming to establishe a conformitie of
discipline, and to deteane her Majestic, and certane of her Majestie's
most honorable counsellers somwhat occupied therin, whill they are
bussie compassing the mater of association, his Hienesse' manage,
and other weightie effaires of estate, with other nations, confederated
against religioun, her Majestie's person, state, and kingdome, that
under these colours or shadowes of travelling to other countreis
for recovering of health, (Avhich he never minded to doe,) he might
traffick the more cunninglie with the Spanish and Frenche am-
bassaders, and other enemeis to religioun, (to whom he had frequent
resort,) for supplanting of religioun, with commoun intelligence of
the enemeis therof; intending, first, to overthrow, in one day, the
discipline practised and established by lawes, (whereby, as with a
most sure band, sinceritie of religioun without schismes or hereseis,
and integritle of maners, have beene keeped these tAventie-five
yeeres ;) and nlxt, to admitt libertie of conscience, wlierof he tooke
the patrocinie ; and, last, the planting of Papistrie, idolatrie, and su-
perstitioun, for the true worshipping of God ; the rearing of the
queen's authoritie in place of her Sonne's ; the repeating of the an-
tient league with France, and renewing the woefull warres with
England, now buried in oblivioun, through Christ, the author of
peace and concord.
The Bishop of Sanct Andrewes, Mr Thomas Livingston, Cuthbert
Armourer, and Roger.
The Policie of the Kirk, after long delibez'ation in many Assembleis,
after manie conferences with commissioners directed from his
Majestic and Privie Couusell, and their mutuall agreement in
all things, (foure heeds being excepted,) was sett doun.
The order of presbytereis, dioceis, provinciall and generall assembleis,
being proponed by his Majestie to the Generall Assemblie con-
veenedat Glasgow, the 20th of Aprile 1581, by his commissioner
instructed, the Laird of Caprinton, and were accepted and used
444 calderwood's historie 1585.
since that time without interruptioun, the acts of parliament ap-
proving the Generall Assembleis, the king and counsell author-
izing the same ordinarilie bj their commissioun sent.
7. There is no ffreater libertie granted to these who are licensed
to goe out of the countrie, to enter in England or Ireland, than to
abide in Scotland, the said countries, as contagious, excepted in
expresse words, in their licences ; and free choice givin to travell
in France, their confederate countrie, lightlie regarding, although
they fall in the hands of suche as spaired not their owne countrie-
men and freinds, if so be thej escape the raging surges of stormie
seas.
8. If we joyne the unkindlie dalliances that have beene used, and
manifest breache of so manie promises to her Majestic, since the
moneth of June last, 1583, unto these in the former discourse, they
both sail make it als cleare as the sunne in the noone tide, that
nothing ellis is meant but the violating of the amitle, (so soone as
they can espie their advantage, and may have the opportunitie ;) in
compting wherof, none fearing God can take delectatioun, were not
the said amitle being inseperablie conjoyned to religloun, it sould be
treason to God, by silence, to betray his truthe for pleasure of
fleshe and blood, and hazard of their lives.
9. First, They enforced his Majestle to approve the late altera-
tioun which was at St Andre wes, without her Majestie's privitie,
contrarle to all the privat and publlct assurances above men-
tiouned.
10. Secundlie, They have had little or no respect at all to his
Majestle's fame and reputatloun, who advised his Majestic to direct
a command, by virtue of a warrant to the Captane of the Castell of
Edinburgh, for setting "William Holt at libertie, delivering him at
the posterne to two horsemen of the Lord Seton's ; offering there-
by just occasioun to her Majestic to conceave, that his HIenesse
had more regard to pleasure ManningvIU, (in respect of a secreit
promise,) than to satisfie her Majestle, in bringing that practising
Jesuit to triell, (a mater commoun to both );j according to his owne
promise ; and, in the meanetime, they caused his Majestle avouche
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 445
by writting, that which they had impudentlie givin out, to witt, that
by accident he had escaped ; as though these dealings were alwayes
hid and covered. And seing in suche nieane maters they move his
Hienesse to triffle with her Majestic farre by his owne good na-
ture, what hope sail they have of sincere dealing in maters of
greater importance ? There is no questioun, they will induce his
Majestic to promise als liberallie as they advised his mother to doe,
to the intent they may obteane their purpose : but upon what good
meaning, it is more meete that proofFe alreadie past sould teache,
than new experience, with greater perell, sould make feele.
The bearer and receaver of this warrant may be moved to confesse
the truthe, if need be.
11. How may men judge otherwise of the rest of their treache-
reis ? as namelie, their great inhumanitie and unrighteous dealing
toward the Lord Secretarie, whom they bereft from his Majestie's
earcs, spoiled of his freinds and horses, and caried, more like a ras-
call cadger than honorable counseller, in prisson, not onlie against
all ordinarie justice, but also his Hienesse' minde, signified by letter
to her Majestic, and by word to the noblemen, whom he certified
of his good grace toward him, and testified by word, by cheei'efull
countenance, clapping his head and cheekes immediatlie before.
12. As this violence was begunne on him, so was the like intend-
ed against manie others, whom they travelled to trap in their
snaires. And when craft served not to compasse their purposes,
they abused ti'aterouslie his Majestie's guard, authoritie, care,
hand-writting, against sindrie noble men, and others weill affected
to religioun, his Hienesse' service and amitie ; compelling them to
accept remissions for the fact at Ruthven, so manie wayes before
approved, and speciallie fighting directlie against his Majestie's let-
ters from St Andrewes, 2d of Julie 1583.
13. By the immediat removing of his Majestie's domesticke ser-
vants and officers, without anie stay to acquaint her Majestic there-
with, they have done great reproache unto his Hienesse' honour,
and contempt to her Majestic, to make him unmindfull of his pro-
446 calderwood's historie 1585.
mise givin by letter, being putt in mindc therof, in her Majestie's
name, by her ambassader there resident.
14. Albeit it might have had some appearand clokc of breaking
the manifold promises and often assurances, particularlie givin to
her Majestie, by commissioun and letters sent before the late alter-
atioun at St Andrewes, that Arran Avas called to court by his un-
quiett and aspyring spirit, to confound the'state peaceably settled,
yitt the letters sent from St Andrewes, after his deliverance from
the former pretended captivitie, can have no seemelie subterfuge
nor probable colour, wherin his Majestie promised not to call him
againe to him, without her Majestie's speciall consent and privitie.
15. But what shifts and impediments they sought to delay the
* answering to her Majestie's letter with her owne hand, after sindrie
his owne promises of good will to answere the same ; and whether,
after he had givin his hand to send her Majestie the copie of the
associatioun, if the writtings Avere in Scotland, they made his Ma-
jestie's excuse, and to alledge they were burnt, although they were
indeed with the advocat, their owne conscience beareth record, and
her Majestie's ambassader can best report.
16. But to the end that all Christian princes may pitie the un-
comelie captivitie, and unprincelie misusing of the honour and faith
of this young king, in the hands of these soullesse souldiers, heere
are sett doun some speciall sentences of his INIajestie's letter, givin
at St Andrewes, the 2d of Julie 1583, tcstefeing his owne faithfull
meaning, which they have perverted and altered by violence, Avhen
other perswasiouns have been withstood ; preferring their advance-
ment to his honour and standing. Which being conferred with
the premisses and their other actiouns, sail make their evill offices
toward their king and countrie more abominable.
17. "Assuring you, that by withdrawing ourself to ourcastellof
our citie of St Andrewes, nather minde Ave to controll nor remove
anie of our nobilitie, or others that have faithfullie givin their de-
pendance on us heeretofore, nor prejudice them in their honours,
lives, nor livings, in anie sort, except they give us speciall occasioun
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 447
heerafter to the contrarle. Wherewith, alwise we minde to make
you first acquainted before we proceed against them ; and alwayes
to conforme us to your good advice and counsell in that behalfe, it
being our speciall meaning and intentioun, to use all our good sub-
jects indifFerentlie, and to grant them equall accesse unto our pre-
sence, except so manie as are presentlie debarred therefra ; whome
we intend not to call again unto us, without your speciall consent
and privitie ; nor doe in anie sort, whereby you may justlie conceave
jealousie of anie of our actiouns or proceedings, but that, as most
deservedlie you possesse our speciall liking and good Avill, before all
princes in the world. So meane we to continue to you, and effaldlie
to follow furth the good course which we have both professed sin-
cerelie, and solemnlie promised unto you, by our former letters ;
praying you, therefore, (deere sister,) to conceave no otherwise of
us, and our intentioun in this behalfe, than we have heere sett
doun, and in our princelie word sail keep unto you. For so it is,
and so it sail appeare, by the course of our Avhole actiouns, to be
testified unto you from time to time, by your ambassader heere
resident, Avho we have at more lenth, by our owne speeche, assured
of our continuance and constancie in this behalfe."
18. By which promises in this and other letters to her Majestie,
and in word to her Majestie's ambassader, and manie suche like
made to his owne subjects by word, and publict proclamations,
conferred with courses and dealings so farre contrarious, prosecuted
by these godlesse guides for their owne gaines, or revenging their
OAvne particulars, the commoun people, and ignorant of this forme
of their secreit and deceatefull dealings, are moved not onlie to crie
out on these miserable usurpers, and abusers of the Avhole estat,
but also vehementlie to suspect his Majestie to have learned
deepelie to dissemble, albeit, by his letters, and former actiouns
that appeared voluntarilie, he did meane no suche thing.
By which desperat proceedings, all men may see cleerelle, that
nothing hath bcene meant but the overthrow of true religioun, the
king's Majestie's hazai'd in soule, bodie, fame, crowne, and estate,
wracke of the commoun Avealth, and breaking of the amitie betweene
448 calderwood's historie 1585.
both the realmes, (unlesse speedie remedie be espied,) and a cruell
massacre to be looked for of the former favourers of all these foure,
that papistrie may be restored, his mother, murtherer of his father,
and her governement may be restored, the commoun wcale aban-
douned to France, and the long peace turned to a cruell and feare-
fuU warre with our brethrein in England.
Thus we have scene the rysing and falling of James Stuart, Eric
of Arran, and Colonell Stuart. James Stuart, secund sonne of the
hous of Uchiltrie, was first a captane in Sweden, and therafter,
when he returned to the countrie, captane of the king's guard. He
maried the Couutesse of Marche, daughter to the Erie of Atholl,
maried first to the Lord Lovatt, divorced from the Erie of Marche,
great-uncle to the king, under colour of frigiditie. He was made
first Tutor, and then Erie of Arran, and last Chancellor ; a great
guider both of court and countrie. Colonell Stuart was (as is con-
stantlie reported) first a cloutter of old shoes. He went to the
Low Countreis, where he served in the warres, first as a souldiour,
then as a captane, at last as a colonell. He returneth home, and
was imployed by the king to apprehend anie subject, in anie cor-
ner of the kingdome, that the court had anie querrell at. He
wanted not likewise his rewaird, for he was gifted with the Pryo-
rie of Pittinweme, and maried the Ladie Pitfirrane, not without
suspicioun of the murther of her former husband. The court being
changed by their fall, there followed great alterations, both in kirk
and commoun weale.
About the end of November, warning was made by the Mode-
rator of the last Assemblie to the brethrein of the niinistrie, to
conveene in Dumfermline, before the dyet appointed for the parlia-
ment. There was no other toun, at that time, so convenient, by
reasoun of the pest in the principall burghs. The brethrein repaired
from all parts to Dumfermline, the 23d of November. But the
ports of the toun were shut upon them, by directioun of the Laird
of Pitfirrane, proveist for the time, alledging he had the king's cx-
presse command so to doc. The brethrein commended the wrong
1585. or THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 449
to God, the righteous Judge. Within few yeeres after, he was
found fiilhn out at a window of his owne hous of Pitfirrane, three or
foure hous high. Whether he threw himself out of a melancholious
despaire, or if he was throwed out violenthe by unkinde ghuests, it
is uncertane. When he was takin up, his speeche was not so sen-
sible as to reveele the truthe. He died within few houres after.
The brethrein, so manie as might convenientlie, mett in the feilds,
and appointed to meete again in Linlithquo, some dayes before the
parliament. Whill as they were conveened in Linlithquo, Mr
James Melvill cometh out of England, assuring himself of reforma-
tioun of all things amisse. But, in the contrare, he found a number
of heavie-hearted brethrein. They were out of hope to gett anie
thing undone at that parliament which was done at the parliament
1584 ; for the king had sett himself against the ministrie, speciallie
these who had beene with the lords. The lords were admonished
to remember of their duetie and promises. They answered, they
behoved first to be sattled in their owne places, and then they sould
worke wonders. It was told them, that suche relenting would
both weaken the cans, and discredit them before God and man.
The Erie of Angus was willing, but could get no concurrence. The
Maister of Glames, upon whose witt they depended, said, it was
not expedient to throw out of the king, so addicted to the governe-
ment of bishops, anie reformatioun of the Kirk for the present, but
to procure it by time, with his full consent and lyking. Besides
this, there was a greater cans of greefe offered, by a bitter invective
made by Mr Craig, before the king and states in parliament, against
the sincerest sort of the ministrie ; stirred up, as he alledged, by a
sermoun made by James Gibsone in the pulpit of Edinburgh,
ao;ainst the subscrivinof ministers, of which number he was the
cheefe. So there was scene the seed of a fearefull schisme, if
God, by the meanes of patient and wise brethrein, had not borne
doun the same, at the nixt Assemblie. Notwithstanding of these
causses of their greefe, the conscience of their duetie to Christ and
his church so upheld them, that they continued together till the
parliament ended, howbeit miserablie loodged, in respect of the
VOL. IV. 2 F
450 calderwood's iiistokie 1585.
throng. Mr Andrew Melvill had beene often plaine with the king
diverse dayes. At lenth, the king desired the ministers to cxhibite
in writt what exceptions they had against the parliament holdin
anno 1584. Whereupon they exhibited unto the King these animad-
versions following, together with a supplicatioun : —
ANIMADVERSIONS OF OFFENCES CONCEAVED UPON THE ACTS OF
PARLIAMENT MADE IN THE YEERE 1584, IN THE MONETH OF
MAY, PRESENTED BY THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE KIRK TO THE
king's MAJESTIE AT THE PARLIAMENT OF LINLITHQUO, IN
DECEMBER 1585.
" In the First act it is thought a great impairing of the libertie of
the true kirk, in so farrc as nothing is thereby granted unto the
same, but the libertie of preaching and ministratioun of sacraments ;
seing the power of binding and loosing, which is called the power
of the keyes of the kingdome of heaven, consisteth not onlie in these
points, but also in judgement, jurisdictioun, and removing of offences
out of the kirk of God, and excommunicatioun to be pronounced
against the disobedient, by these that are office-bearers within the
same. And so the whole discipline is left out, and this act restricteth
the libertie granted by other acts of parliament of before, concern-
ing discipline and correctioun of raaners, which were established by
a law in the first yeere of your Majestie's raigne. Our warrants
out of the Word of God for this part of the libertie of the Kirk we
are to bring furth when your Majestic pleaseth.
" As concerning the Secund act, the narratioun therof appeareth
to be slanderous against some of the ministrie, which we would
wishe to be reformed, or otherwise conceaved, except the truthe
therof were verified. And as to the substance of the act it self, it
attributeth to your Majestic a soverane power of judgement not
onlie upon the persons of all your subjects, but also in all maters
wherin they, or anie of them, sail be apprehended, summouned, or
charged, &c. Which appeareth to be verie strange, the like
wherof we heare not to have beene practised in anie Christian com-
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 451
moun wealthj and cannot stand with the Word of God : foi' al-
though the persons of men are subject to your Majestic and civill
judges, when they offend against your lawes, yitt, in maters meere
ecclesiasticall, and concerning conscience, no Christian prince can
justHe clame, nor ever clamed, to himself suche power to judge,
seing the prince in this behalfe is but a member of the kirk, and
Jesus Christ onlie the Head, who onlie hath power to give lawes in
maters of conscience. And so said the godlie Ambrose, ' Imperator
bonus intra ecclesiam, non supra ecclesiam est.'' And, to confound the
jurisdictions civill and ecclesiasticall, is that thing wherein all men
of good judgement have justlie found fault with the Pope of Rome,
Avho clameth to himself the power of both the SAvords ; which is als
great a fault to a civill magistrat to clame or usurpe, and speciallie
to judge upon doctrine, errours, and hereseis, he not being placed
in ecclesiasticall function to interprete the Scriptures. The war-
rants hereof out of the Word of God we are likewise readie to
bring furth.
" Tuiching the Thrid act, it appeareth to be obscure, but yitt
the effect thereof to tend to this, that none desire alteratioun of the
forme or custome of the conveening of the estats in parliament, as
some have thought the same to be innovated. Sir, we understand
that the ancient libertie of the said three estats is loveable and
ancient. But likewise it is of truthe, that among other corrup-
tiouns that were in time of Papistrie, the ecclesiasticall estate was
corrupted, and appointed to be of suche persons who had no lawful!
functioun in the kirk of God ; and speciallie, ought not to have place,
religioun being reformed within this realme : we meane of bishops,
abbots, and suche like Popish prelats, in consideratioun, that by
acts of parliament made of before, all authoritie and jurisdictioun of
the Pope of Rome, and of others flowing from him, not agreeable
to the Word of God, is abolished within this realme. Therefore
we thinke in our conscience, and have oft suted it of your Majestie,
that none sould vote in parliament, in name of the estate of the
kirk, but they that have their calling of God, and are constituted
in ecclesiasticall office and functioun, according to his Word. And,
452 calderwood's histokie 1585.
therefore, discreit commissioners of the most learned both in the law
of God and of the countrie, being of the function of the ministrie,
or elders of the kirk, to represent that estate, at Avhosc mouth the
law ought to be required, namelie, in ecclesiasticall maters. And
it is not the great rents, nor promotioun to great benefices, nor yitt
the dignitie of kinred or blood, that carieth with it all knowledge
or judgement. But other men, who are compted of infcriour ranke
to the judgement of the world, may prevaile therein. And there
is no inconvenient, that commissioners may be sent from the kirk
representing the thrid estate, als weill as from the burrowes, to have
vote in parliament. Therefore, we humblie desire your Majestic
to declare the said act ; and deny not unto us that libertie that
God's "Word, and the lawes of the countrie made of before, and
equitie andreasoun in this behalf crave th.
" As concerning the Fourth act, the title therof is, Discharging
all jurisdictiouns and judgements not approved by parliament, and
all assembleis and conventiouns, without your Majestie's speciall
licence and commandement. And in the narrative it appeareth,
there is a slanderous report raised upon the Kirk, and office-bearers
within the same, for using certane jurisdictiouns not approved by
the lawes of the realme ; and alledging an act made in the dayes
of your Hienesse' grandshir, that all the lieges ought to be ruled
by the commoun lawes of the realme, and by no other lawes.
And, therefore, the said act dischargeth all judgements and juris-
dictiouns, spirituall or temporall, accustomed to be used these
twenty-five y ceres by past, not approved by your Hienesse and
estats in parliament ; with threatning of exccutioun upon all per-
sons that use or obey the same, as usurpers and contemners of your
Hienesse' authoritie, and for convocatioun of your Hienesse' lieges.
Sir, we most humblie crave your Hienesse' minde to be further de-
clared heerin ; for it appeareth to us to be verie strange, and a
thing that cannot stand with the libertie granted by Jesus Christ
to his kirk, and these that beare functioun and office within the
same. And, first, as to the act of King James the Fourth, your
Hienesse' grandshir, we say that the same act appeareth plainlie
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 453
to meane of the clvill jurisclictloun, which he and his predecessors
and successors may clame within this reahiie, by their royall power,
and not of the ecclesiasticall jurisdictioun : for that law was made
airainst these of tiie Isles that used the Kino- of Denmark's lawcs
in civill maters. And, in your grandshir's dayes, there was another
ecclesiasticall jurisdictioun within the realme, after the maner of
Papistrie, used by these that were called kirk-men, untill the dayes
of reformatioun of religioun, as hath beene used continuallie since
that time, with which no fault was found. And it is of truthe,
that there is a spirituall jurisdictioun granted to the kirk of God
by his Word, (which maketh no derogatioun to the jurisdictioun of
earthlie princes,) wherof the office-bearers within the kirk in this
realme have beene in peaceable possessioun and use these twentic-
four yeeres bypast, with the more wherof followed no trouble, but
great quietnesse in the kirk and commoun wealth. And there hath
beene more trouble in the ecclesiasticall estate within these tAvo
yeeres last bypast, than ever was since the religioun M^as reformed
within this countrie. Alwise we offer us to prove, by good war-
rants of the Word of God, that it is lawfull to the ecclesiasticall
estate to convocat Assembleis, and to hold the same, and to appoint
an order, place, and time for conveening of the same ; to treate
upon suche maters as concerne the kirk effaires, Avhich no Avise im-
paireth your Majestie's civill and royall jurisdictioun, but ratlicr
fortifieth and decoreth the same ; not denying, in the meane time,
but it is laAvfull to your Majestic and estats, Avhen anie extraordi-
narie necessitie sail require, to call the members and office-bearers
Avithin the kirk, in few or greater number, and cans them to be
conveened, to resolve upon suche things as concerne their estat
and necessitie of the time. And further, concerning the General!
Assembleis of the kirk, there is an act in the first yeere of your
Hienesse' raigne, ratifeing the authoritie therof, and decerning ap-
pellatiouns to be devolved thereto, as to the last judgement, of ma-
ters concerning the kirk. The same argument avc use concernii'g
other assembleis, als weill particular and of the Presbytereis, as
provincial], by the paritie of reasoun, and good grounds of the
454 calderwood's historie 1585.
Word of God, which we offer ns to shew; beseekingyourMajestle
to reforrae or repaire and qualifie the act according thereto ; for if it
sail stand in the forme that it is, not onlie conventioiins for dis-
cipline, but also for hearing of the Word, will be thereby dis-
charged.
" As to the Fyft act, we allow weill with our hearts that all
these that are planted in the function of the ministrie, if they
committ anie offence worthie of deprivatioun, that they be de-
prived both of their functiouns and revenues which they possesse
for using the same. But to make exceptioun of persons, that they
who have vote in parliament sail not be controlled in that behalfe,
nor the like judgement executed upon them, we cannot understand
how that can agree with reasoun and good lawes, seing we are able
to verifie the most part of these in that estat, to be more scandal-
ous, and worthie to be deprived both of their functioun and bene-
fice, than anie other. And as to the voting in parliament, who
they ought to be that sould have place there, we have declared our
judgement of before. Therefore, this act appeareth to make ex-
ceptioun of persons, which can not weill stand by the law of God
nor man. As to the causes of deprivatioun, they require also a
conference, which were over long now to putt in writt to your
Majestic. Therefore, please your Hienesse also to advise better
heerupon, and qualifie the same.
" Now, for the Sixt act, the dytter therof appeareth to be verie
carefull that ministers sail await upon their functioun and oflSce,
and sail use no other functioun, judgement, nor office, that sail ab-
stract them therefra. If it be simplie meaned, the act is verie
good. But, with your Majestie's licence, they are verie farre in the
wrong to your Hienesse that would burthein you with all func-
tioun and jurisdictioun, both in civill and ecclesiasticall maters ;
being but one person, and muche lesse able to discharge, nor a
simple minister of a kirk to discharge his cure. And farther, seing
the same act, and other acts of this parliament, attribut jurisdic-
tioun to bishoj)S over raanie kirks, and to be judges in civill causes
also, they are farre more unmeet to discharge themselves therof,
1585. OF THE KIKK OF SCOTLAND. ^^^
nor a simple minister that hath one flocke or kirk, and, peradven-
ture, a collegue with him in the same.' And farther, in so farre as
the ecclesiasticall estat is one of the three estats in parliament, and
as we are able to [)rove the office-bearers and ministers of the kirk
ought to represent the said estate, it can not weill stand, that all
judicators sould be taikin from them, seing it is the supreme judi-
cator in this realme, wherin both causes civill and criminall are
decided. And, therefore, to tak away this judgement from these
that are of the ecclesiasticall functioun, it is verie hard, and can not
Weill stand with the libertie granted to the kirk of ancient time.
As to the other civill judgements that may abstract ministers from
their cure, we thinke they ought not to medle therewith, but so
farre as they are called lawfuUie by the prince, and are able to dis-
charge the same.
" Passing over the rest of the acts, as not perteaning to the
kirk, till we come to the Thritteenth, in the which the first yeere's
fruicts of all benefices are decerned to be taikin to your Ilienesse'
use, and your guarde, no provisioun being made for the ministers
that serve where that benefice lyeth. And the first yeere's fruicts
were never craved Avithin prelaceis before this act ; and also a
great yeerelie taxatioun is layed upon the benefices, as appeareth,
both great and small, besides the thrids. Remedic Avould there-
fore be provided by your Majestie, how the kirks may be served
sufficientlie, and the ministers not disappointed of their stipends ;
for the revenues of the kirk are alreadie so diminished, that, although
new impositiouns be not layed therupon, it is difficill to keepe anie
order within the kirk ; which muche more sail be impossible if
they be farther diminished. And as to the moonkes' portiouns, it
would be a godlie ordinance to your Majestie to appoint the same,
or ellis a good part therof, for bursars in colledges, as some time
it was proponed, and halfelie granted.
r 1 Nolandum, That Mr R. Pont penned this animadversioun, and would have it
thus in by (beyond) the judgement of Mr Andrew and Mr J. Melvils and others,
■who had becne upon session ; and was of opinion then that so was lawfull. — Marginal
note in the MS.
45B caldeiiwood's iiistorie 1585.
" So, passing to the Twentie act, the same giveth commissioun to
Patrick, called Archbishop of Sanct Andrcwes, and other bishops,
or such as your Majestic sail constitute judges in ecclcsiasticall
causes, not specifeing of Avhat estate they sould be, ecclcsiasticall
or civill. And siclyke, mentioun is made of some commissioners
in the Sixt act, to which commissioners power is granted to putt
order to all maters and causes ecclesiasticall, visite the kirks and
state of the ministrie, reforme colledges, receave presentatiouns,
and they onlie give collatiouns upon benefices ; and that commis-
siouns sould be extended hccrupon, under your Ilienesse' great
scale, conform to this. Which diverse commissiouns are directed
with power to bishops, allanerlie in their owne persons, without anie
assessors or assisters ; and, namelie, to the Archbishop of Sanct
Andrcwes, within his whole diocie, or to anie his deputs and com-
missioners under him ; with power also to depose ministers, which
is not conteaned in the act, and likewise to place and displace mi-
nisters, attour the tenor of the act. Sir, to speeke our consciences
plainlie concerning this act, we suppose your Majestic be of good
miride that the same sail continue no longer nor this present par-
liament, but sail alluterlie be discharged ; for so it is conteaned in
the act itself, in the end therof, in expresse termes ; whereby w^e
thinke your Majestic and cstats were of minde it sould not con-
tinue when it was first made. And, indeid, if it sould continue,
manie and great inconveniences sould of necessitie follow to the
kirk of Jesus Christ, and estate therof; for, first, to devolve that
power in one man's hand, although he were never so wise, learned,
and godlie, to doe all things in the kirke at his OAvne pleasure and
authoritie, by himself allanerlie or his deputs, taketh away that li-
bertie and good order which the Spirit of God, by the mouth of
Paul, willeth to be in the kirk, and wherof we have manie other
warrants in God's Word ; for it apperteaneth to the ecclesiasticall
senat, and not to anie one man, to doe these things. Nather is it
a civill thing, and to be committed to a civill magistrat, and to
Avhom they please, to governc the hous of God, Avhich is his kirk,
and can have no exemplc of anie uncorrupt age or person. There-
^585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 457
fore, we suppose your Majestic will dame no farther to the same,
nor yitt sufFer suche men to abuse the kirk in that sort. And as
to other judges to be constituted in ecclesiasticall causes by your
Majestic, not specifeing of what estate they sould be, civill or ec-
clesiasticall, that is, indeid, to use the power of both the swords,
Avhich all men of good judgment have damned in the Pope. Sir,
we ceasse to make flirther discourse upon this act, or to declare the
qualiteis of these to whome suche commissions are givin, becaus we
suppose your Majestic will willinglie reforme and abrogat alluterlie
that act."
CONCERNING THE ACTS NOT PRINTED.
" Sir, We find amongst these acts not imprinted, the act annull-
ing the excommunication of Mr Robert Montgomrie, wherin your
Majestic taketh authoritie, with your estats in parliament, to medle
with that thing which can have no exemple that anie prince ever
medled with, since the first planting of the religion of Jesus Christ.
To pronounce excommunicatioun upon impenitent sinners, or to
absolve them therefra, or to decerne the samine effectuall or not
effectuall, can no more perteane to prince or anie civill magistrat,
nor to preache the Word of God and ministrat sacraments, for
they are both in like maner committed by Christ, our Maister, to
the true office-bearers within his kirk, when, as he said, ' Die ec-
clesi(e; &c. Therefore, among all other things, avc cannot mervell
eneugh who sould be so bold to putt in your Majestie's head to
usurpe that power or meddle therewith, seing, for the like fact,
Uzziah the King of Judah was so terriblie plagued, and his wb.olc
land shaiked. God forgive them that would so jeopard your Hie-
nesse, without respect of conscience, or the feare of God. We bc-
seeke yoiu- Majestic to revocke this, and meddle no farther there-
with, as a thing not perteaning to your office, or anie civill magi-
strat. There is another act amongst the not imprinted, concerning
the payment of the ministers' stipends, of the which we can speeke
nothing, becaus we want the copie of it; beseeking your Majestic
458 calderwood's historie 1585.
to give comraandement to the Gierke of Register that we may have
it, and give our reasons in against it, if need be."
THE SUrPLICATION.
" Sir, We have, in the feare of God, at your Majestie's command,
as shortnesse of time Avould suffer, givin our animadversions upon
the late Acts of Parliament, May 1584, beseeking your Majestic to
beare with our language, if in anie point it be not so perfytted and
courtlie as some men would wishe ; for we tend onlie to the end of
these things, wherof we were in conference with your Grace, to open
them up simplle and plainlie, and to speeke the truthe in our con-
science; for it is not our dutie to dissemble with your Grace. When
we have perused and read these acts over and over again, so diligent-
lie as we can, we cannot thinke in our judgement how the same can
stand as they are formed, or how anie interpretatioun that can be
made therupon, unlesse it were to containe contradictioun, which
is an uncomlie thing in making or setting out of lawes. For the
law itself sayeth. They that may speeke plainlie in making of lawes,
contracts, or anie suche thing, and speeke obscurelie and ambigu-
ouslie, suche contracts and lawes are to be exponed against the
maker or former tlierof. Quia potuerunt apertius clicere. Tiierefore,
saving the honour of your Majestic, and your estats, we thinke it
more comelie to place new, reformed, and plain lawes in their
rowme, nor to interprete these, which cannot be weill interpreted
in anie good sense. We trust your Majestic will take this our
simple meaning in good part, and doe that which is most meete
according thereto. The Lord grant your Majestic the spirit of
true and upright judgement : Amen.
" There is one thing farther, which in most humble maner Ave
crave of your jNIajestie, that it be provided by Acts of Parliament,
that like as your Hienesse is to restore these of the nobilitic to
their honours and ll'ings, so your Majestic will restore the Kirk
of God and ministrie therof to their former possessioun, als weill
in discipline, as their livings, rowmes, and offices, from which they
were displaced by occasioun of the said Acts, or anie thing follow-
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 459
ing therupon ; and their stipends, als weill bygane as to come,
seing a great part thereof remaine as yitt untaikin up."
These animadversiouns and supplicatloun, penned aff liand, be-
caus of want of all commoditle, and presented to his Majestie by
the ministers, the king tooke paines himself, by the space of
twentie-foure houres, to take him to his cabinet, and, with his
owne hand, both wrote and penned his declaratioun following,
word by word.
THE king's DECLARATION AND INTERPRETATION OF HIS ACTS OF
PARLIAMENT, SETT FURTH IN MAY 1584.
" Nam ejus est explicare, cujus est condere.
" The First maketh onlie uientioun of the preaching of the Word
and Sacraments, not thereby to abrogat anie good farther policie
or jurisdictioun in the kirk, but allanerlie to remitt apart therof to
the acts ensuing; and the most, Avhich as yitt are unagreed upon
or concluded, I intend, God willing, to caus to be perfyted by a
godlie Generall Assemblie of bishops, ministers, and others godlie
and learned, Imperatore prcesidente ; and then sail the act be made
more ample, according to the conclusioun agreed upon by them,
both in policie and jurisdictioun.
" The Secund Act hath tAvo parts ; a narrative and a charge.
The narrative hath two parts ; one affirming that some of your
vocatioun had appealed from me, as not being their judge, I
doubt not, 3'ourselves will not denie this, since some of yourselves
did it, and I doubt be yitt skarce farre from it.
" The other part maketh mentioun of the treasonable, seditious,
and contumelious speeches, uttered by some of your calling in pul-
pit against me and my progenitors. This part likewise cannot
weill be denyed, since it is more than evident, that it hath becne
the most part of some ministers' exercise these foure or five
yeeres past. Alwise, how soone the whole ministers of Scotland
sail amend their manors in this point, the forsaid act sail be re-
scinded. As to the b'ecund part of the act, it conteaneth a charge,
460 calderwood's uistorie 1585.
that none being summouned or accused by me sail dcclyne my
judgement, in rc«pect I am declared and confirmed judge by the
Parliament over all persons Avithin this realmc, in all causses that
they sail be apprehended or summouned for ; and in the lyne end,
it sayeth, that none sail dcclyne my judgement in the premisses.
Now, say I, and declare, (which declaratioun sail be als authentick
as the act it self,) that I for my part sail never, nather my pos-
teritie ought ever, cite, sunmioun, or apprehend anie pastor or
preacher, for maters of doctrine in religioun, salvatioun, heresels,
or true interpretatioun of the Scripture, but according to my First
Act, Avhich confirmcth the libertie of preaching the Word, mini-
stratioun of the sacraments. I avov/ the same to be a mater mere
ecclesiasticall, and altogether impertinent to my calling ; therefore,
never sail I, nor never ought they, I meane my postcritie, acclame
anie power or jurisdictioun in the forsaids.
" The Thrid Act is so reasonable and necessar, that it needeth
no declaratioun nor explicatioun, except onlie this, that my bishops,
which are one of the three estats, sail have power, als farre as
God's Word and exemple of the primitive kirk will permitt, and
not accordino; to that Man of Sinne his abominable abusses and
corruptions. But I can not eneugh wounder where yee find that
rule or exemple, athcr in God's Word, or anie other reformed
kirk, that some ministers, by commissioun of the rest, ought to be
one of the estats in Parliament. Weill ! God purge your spirits
from ambitioun, and other indecent afFectiouns for your calling,
and give you grace to teache in all humilitie and simplicitie his
Word and Veritie.
"In the Fourth Act, I discharge all jurisdictions not approved
in Parliament, and conventiouns, without my speciall licence. As
to this discharge of jurisdictiouns, my meaning and declaratioun is,
that they sail ceasse, whill a settled policie and jurisdictioun be
established, according to the commissioun and lyne of God's Word.
As to the discharge of Assembleis, they are not simplie discharged,
but onlie ordeanned that they sould be holdin with my speciall
licence. And surelic, I trust, that in all reformed kirks, where the
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAXD. 4G1
princes and niaglstrats were sound In religioun, yee sail find that
the assembleis of the kirk were not onlie by their spcciall licence,
but even by their calling, and they themselves presidents and mo-
derators of them. Yee doe evill in making your selves to be ig-
norant of your owne act, as to thinke the narrative of this act
slanderous and untrue.
" As to the Fyft Act, it exeemeth the bishops onlie for this caus,
for that it speeketh onlie of deprivatioun of bishops by synodall as-
sembleis, whereas they sould be deprived by Generall. As to the
causes of deprivation, they sail be agreed upon by the kirk, and
therafter my act accordinglie qualified.
" The hindmost part of my declaratioun upon the Thrid Act
exponeth, and with sufficient reason proveth the Sixt Act to be
Weill ; and beside the forsaid Sixt Act, I am assured, nothing re-
pugnant, but justlie agreing with the Word of God.
"As to the Thritteenth, my intentioun was ever that all benefices
of cure, under prelaceis, sould be excepted, and so sail they be re-
served in the act.
" As to the Twentie Act, it is indeid but temporall. And since
it is made to endure onlie whill the parliament, and farther during
my will, it may be als weill called backe without a parliament as
Avith it : as, indeid, I minde, after farther conference with some of
the ministrie, to take a solide order theranent. But in one thing
yee misconstrue it : Avheras yee alledge it giveth authoritie to one
person to reforme the Kirk, which is not ; but it appointeth everie
bishop to reforme his owne diocie. And the Bishop of St Andrewes
his owne declaratioun appointeth everie bishop a counsell of his
owne diocie ; so as, in effect, this act ordeaneth everie bishop,
with his diocie, to reforme his owne diocie. And as to the com-
missioners not ecclesiasticall joyned to them, they are joyned to
give their advices, and not to interpone their authoritie ; as yee
your selves have had sindrie men, mere civill, assisting your As-
sembleis ; and as it will be most necessar that some men, learned
and godlie, be yitt choosed out for sattling of the policie.
'' As to the act concerning the excommunicatioun of the Bishop
462 caldekwood's iiistokii: 1585.
of Glasgow, I must first debate the occasion shortlie, and therupon
induce the act and meaning. After that he had beenc oft cited,
summouned, and admonished, under paine of excommunicatioun,
to dimitt his benefice, and he, notwithstanding, still possessing the
saniine, depending upon me who gave it to him, at last some of
the ministers, speciallie of the Presbyterie about Edinburgh, Avere
called (as oft before they had beene for the same cans) before the
counscll, and desired to leave off that forme of proceeding, whill it
were tried by further conference whether bishops were tolerable in
the kirk of God or not.' This desire was granted and promised by
the whole ministers present. But immediatlie therafter he was
excommunicated at the kirk of Libberton, a landwart kirk, against
promise. They being called for again, and accused of their pro-
mise, they all denied the knowledge therof; and not onlie they, but
the whole ministrie of Scotland, except that onlie man, Davidsone,
that pronounced the sentence. The whole kirk then disallowing,
and that onlie man avowing the deid, Christ saying, ' Die eccle-
sicB,^ and one onlie man stealing that dint in a quiet hole, the act of
parliament reduceth the sentence for informalitie and nullitie of
processe ; not as judges, Avhether the excommunicatioun was
grounded on good and just causes or not, but as witnesse, that it
was informallie proceeded, against the warrant of God's Word, ex-
ample of all reformed kirks, and your owne particular custome in
this countrie. And, for approbatioun of the premisses, the forsaid
bishop sail be produced before the first Generall Assemblie that I
sail appoint ; and, thereupon, the crimes that were layed to his
charge sail ather be peremptorilie condemned or absolved.
" Then, shortlie, to end this my declaratioun, I minde not to cutt
away any libertie granted by God to his kirk. I acclame not to
myself to be judge of doctrine in religioun, salvatioun, hereseis, or
true interpretatioun of Scripture. I allow no bishop, according to
the traditions of men, or inventions of the Pope, but onlie according
to God's AYord : not to tyrannize over his brethrein, or doe anie
'• Fides hie penes princlpem." — Note in the margin of the MS,
(
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 463
thing of himself, but with advice of his wliole cliocie, or at least
with the wisest number of them, to serve him for a counsell ; and
to doe nothing him alone, except the teaching of the Word, mini-
stratioun of the sacraments, and voting in parliament and counsell.
Finallie, I say, his office is, solum smgxo'^riiv ad vitam, having there-
fore some probatioun and dignitie above his brethrein, as was in
the primitive kirk. My intentioun is, not to discharge anie juris-
dictioun in the kirk that is conforme to God's Word, nor to dis-
charge anie Assemblie, but onlie these that sail be holdin by my
licence and counsell's. My intentioun is, not to meddle with ex-
communicatioun ; nather acclame I to myself, or my heyres, power
in anie thing that is mere ecclesiasticall, and not a3ia:po^ov, nor with
anie thing that God's Word hath simplie devolved in the hands of
his ecclesiasticall kirk. And, to conclude, 1 confesse and acknow-
ledge Christ Jesus to be Head and Lawgiver to the same. And
whatsomever persons doe attribute to themselves, as head of the
kirk, and not as member, to suspend or alter anie thing that the
Word of God hath onlie remitted to them, that man, I say, com-
mitteth manifest idolatrle, and slnneth against the Father, In not
trusting the words of his Sonne ; against the Sonne, In not obeying
him and talking his place ; against the Ilolie Ghost, the said Holle
Spirit bearing the contrarie record to his conscience. This muche
for my declaratioun promised at our last conference, so farre as
shortnesse of time would permitt ; wherin, whatsoever I have af-
firmed, I will offer me to prove, by the Word of God, purest an-
cients, and moderne neotericks, and by the exemples of the best re-
formed kirks. And whatsomever Is omitted for laike of time, I rc-
mitt first to a conventioun of godlle and learned men, and nixt to a
Generall Assemblie, that by these meanes a godlle pollcie belno-
sattled, we may uniformelie arme ourselves against the commoun
enemie, whom Satan ellls, feeling the breath of God, maketh to
rage in these latter dayes.
" James Rex.
"December 7, Anno 1585."
464 CALDERwoorVs nisTORiE 1585.
After tlic rcceavino- and reacliiifj; of tliis decluratloun, tlie Parlia-
ment posting to an end, and all men niuehe wearied in a colde
winter, so ill eased, and finding no assistance nor confort, but con-
trare, both in nobilitlcand brcthrein, the ministers behoved to be con-
tent, and take that which for the present might be gottin. And so,
after exhibitioun of this supplication following, the meeting dis-
solved.
THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE KIRK's SUPPLICATION GIVIN IN AFTER
THE RECEPT OF THE FORMER DECILARATION.
" Sir, Lett it please your Hienesse, we have scene and considered
your Majestie's declaratioun and interpretatioun upon the men-
tiouned Acts of Parliament. We praise God, as becometh us, for
your Majestie's judgement and knowledge ; notwithstanding, we
would most humblie crave, that in this weightie caus concerning
the establishment of a perfyte policie and state of governement in
the kirk, to stand to all ages and postcriteis to come, that the mater
might be more deepelle and digestlie considered, by conference of
the most learned and godlie of your Hienesse' realme, and if need
be, with consultatioun of the best reformed kirks in other countreis ;
that thereafter, your Majestie, Avith advice of your estats, may
establishe a perfyte and sattledlaw in parliament ; and, in the meane
time, or at least to the next parliament, your Hienesse will grant
us libertle and freedome to hold our ordinarie assembleis, and use
such discipline as we were In use of before these late acts, for
governement of the ecclesiastical efFaires ; concerning which we sail
be at all times readie to give an accompt to God, your Majestie,
and good Counsell, if Ave doe anie thing beside our duetie, or to
perturbe the commoun wealth, so farre as lyeth in us. And in this
meane time, that your Majestie avIII grant to restore all ministers,
maisters of schooles and colledges, to their roAvmes and possessions ;
and speclallie, that our brelthrein, Messrs Johne HoAvesone and
William Watsone, be delivered out of Avaird ; and that avc be not
troubled in the meane time, to suspend and stay all executioun of
the late made Acts of Parliament mentioned so oft against us ; and
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 465
that the bishops use nothing but that which they were in use of
before the making of the foresaid acts, and perturbe not the kirk
nor Assembleis."
THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PARLIAMENT.
x\.t this parliament the Erie of Angus suffered the duke to beare
the crowne, contenting himself with a simple protestatioun, taiking
instruments, that it sould not prejudge him in times to come. Sic-
lyke in Stirline, when Angus and Hammiltoun tooke place before
the duke, the king was greatlie discontented ; sent the Pry our of
Blantyre to them to require them to give place. They obeyed for
the present, becaus they were not restored. The Erie of Angus
had caused some of his servants seaze upon Dalkeith ; but the king
could not be appeased till they were withdrawin. The erle, to gett
his restitutioun past at this parliament, suffered the young Duke of
Lennox to brooke the lands of Dalkeith, expecting the king's plea-
sure, upon his bare promise to be restored thereto, so soone as anie
occasioun fell out whereby to recompence the duke ; which fell not
furtli till the Lord Methven deing without heyres-male, the lord-
ship returned to the king, which he gave in contentatioun to the
duke, restored the lordship of Dalkeith to the Erie of Angus,
and ratified the same in parliament, arino 1587. The erle also
suffered a decreet, givin in favours of the Laird of Phairnihirst, to
his prejudice, reserved in his restitutioun, which was hardlie con-
strued by manie. Yitt was the Ei-le of Angus the best affected of
all the nobilitie to the weale both of kirk and commoun weale.
The rest made it now scene that they were not so carefull of the
weale of the countrie as they pretended, in their declaratioun pub-
lished before the taiking of Stirline ; for of all the wrongs mentioned
in the declaratioun, they seeke little or no redresse at this parlia-
ment. Everie one was carefull for their owne particular.
VOL. IV. 2 G
466 calderwood's historie 1585.
A CONFERENCE BETUIXT THE ERLE OF ANGUS AND MR DAVID
HUME, UPON MR CRAIG'S SERMON.
When the banished lords came first in the countrie, tlie sub-
scriving ministers seemed to repent, and to be willing to offer satis-
factioun. But when they perceaved the lords negligent in the
effaires of the kirk, and the king obstinat, they defended their owne
fact. Mr Craig, in speciall, inveyghed against the exiled ministers,
in a sermon before the estats in parliament. The Erie of Angus
asked of Mr David Hume of Godscroft, after the parliament was
dissolved, what was his judgement concerning Mr Craig's sermon.
He answered, " If the cace of subjects to princes be suche as lie
sayeth, Avhat can we doe but depend upon pleasure ? Why did yee
not expect the king's pleasure, and stay in England Avhill yee were
recalled ? Why come yee unsent for, and in suche sort as yee did ?
What is become of your proclamatioun, and all the fairc reasons in
it ? Yee must goe backe again, and recant all, and crie pccavi for
these things." " O," sayeth my lord, " that is another questioun,
what Ave did of necessitie for our lives and livings, and to remove
that violent tyrannous man, who had wracked king, countrie, and
all ; but he noAV removed, it is another mater to deale with our
prince, to vrhom we ought suche obedience, he being among kings
who are in the place of gods, who are called gods, and to whom is
due the obedience to God. But, leaving the particular, lett me
heare you in the generall, what you thinke of that sermon, and of
the grounds. I know others also w^ere not content therewith, but
I would heare you." Having paused a while, he answereth, " Loath
am I, my lord, to enter upon that heed to censure anie man, cheefe-
lie a preacher. I like better to discusse a truthe, and dispute a
mater, without tuich of persons, so farre as may be. But since
your lordship draweth me to it, I confesse we all disclame implicite
faith ; and we are creatures reasonable, to Aveigh and consider rea-
Bouns, and yeeld so farre as they enforce ; nather otherwise ought
we, or can anie reasonable man enforce himself to consent, which
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 467
maketli me grcatlie in maters of consenting (cheefelie of religloun)
to eshew forcing and vioience ; for I tliinke of others as I find in my-
self; the world cannot force me, no, I cannot force myself, to think
otherwise than my judgement alloweth of. Alwise, to your ques-
tioun, I am farther than manie beleeve favourable to princes and
monarchs. I compt it a heavie charge and burthein, that had need
of much releefe and manie conforts, to recompence the paines ; and
can permitt muche to a good prince, yea, als muche as he himself
pleaseth, (which will never be more than were good,) and all your
estats and whole countrie to guide by himself, he would never with
als absolute a power as anie spake of, and not thinke he had a haire
breadth of power more for that. But to the questioun yee are
upon. Your lordship remembreth the ground Mr Craig layed?"
" Yes, verie weill ; the 82d Psalme, ' God sitteth among the as-
semblie of the gods.' "
" And what he bigged on it ?"
"Yes, obedience to king's commands, and impunitie without
controlment."
" Your lordship remembretli right, and soberlie rcporteth his
speeche in the fairest fashioun ; obedience to kings, impunitie to
kings ; where his speeche was roundlie, obedience to tyranns, im-
punitie to tyranns. Which two, who make botli one, doe great
wrong to good kings. But however it be, call them tyranns, call
them kings, of whom that psalm speeketh, who so infereth these
conclusiouns, infereth conclusions contrare the drift of that psalme,
which is nothing to advance them, but to abasse them ; not to se-
cure them, but to terrific them ; not to exeeme them from death,
the lott of other men, but to lett them see they are subject to it als
Weill as others, and threatten them their death. Therefore, lett
men big up power and impunitie to tyranns of what place of Scrip-
tures they please, I darre affirme, this place is the most unfitt for it
in the world. Never a word of obedience, never a word of im-
punitie, but, by the contrare, plaine punishment. Ay, but it is said,
^ Yee are gods.' Ay, but it sayeth not the lesse, ' Yee sail dee.'
Which what is it to say, but the one, to call to minde their duetie,
468 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1585.
doe justice as God doeth ; the other, threatning punishment, ' yce
sail dee,' becaus yee doe it not. But that is meant of God ; lie
sail punish them, not man. Answere, The text maketh no men-
tloun, whether God immediatlie, or God by the hand of man. But
however it be, the drift is to abasse them ; and who infereth their
advancement, infereth a contrarietie to the drift of the text. Now,
to come to the particulars of it.
" To what also was, at this time, the preaching of obedience to
tyranns ? Was it not eneugli to have taught obedience to good
kings, proving his Majestic to be of that number, if he thought
anie man doubted ? Which Avas more honourable for his Majestic,
more seemelie for a teacher, more easie to perswade men, nor to
roote out the inveterat opinioun against tyranns. First, for the ar-
guments, Was the first solide upon this, ' God sitteth in the as-
semblie of gods,' to gather this, Therefore tyranns sitt in the seate
of gods ? Lett it be true as it w^ill, it followeth but ill, and even
like unto this : When the king sitteth in the sessioun, the king
sitteth in the assemblie of the lords ; therefore, the lords sitt in the
king's seate ; when, by the contrare, the king being there, the king
sitteth in his owne seate, and the lords rather in his seate when he
is absent, as suppleers of his rowme. Also yee know, the presence
of God is mentiouned there, not to authorize, but to controll them.
Nather is the inference of the text, Therefore obey them : never
a word of that heere. But, therefore sail they dee, becaus God
sitteth, seeth them, eyeth, perceaveth them doe wrong, and abuse
their power. Which is a contrare illatioun to his, and fol-
loweth better. 2. His secund argument. The people of God
were commanded to obey Nebuchadnezar : he was a tyrann, there-
fore, all tyranns sould be obeyed. How hard, of a particular ex-
traordinar, to inferre a generall ordinar rule ! Admitt that prepara-
tive, will not men reply, God commanded Jehu, a privat man, to
slay Achab ; therefore, privat men ought, or may slay tyranns ?
3. David slue not Saul ; therefore, no man sould lay hands on a
tvrnun. The nrgr.incnt is verie loose, from authoritie and exemple
ncgativclie. But tlie fourth, God placed the tyrann in that place,
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 469
therefore, no man may putt him out, tliough his wrongs be never so
great : what thinke yee of it ? A man's goods are takin by a brig-
gand. Who doubteth, God hath givin them in the hands of the
briggand ? But sail it follow, no man, not the magistrat, may take
it from the briggand, becaus God hath givin it in his hand ? See
farther, what inconvenient will follow upon that ? If an usurper
gett himself once placed in a kingdome, no man may ever displace
him againe, to repossesse the lawfull king, becaus God hath placed
him, without doubt. This were great prejudice to lawfull kings.
The fyft was upon simileis. All men know how these crooke, yea,
these same wdiich he used, are used to inferre the plaine contrare :
1. For even childrein are made free from their parents by the civill
Roman Law ; 2. Servants from their maisters, by God's law givin
in the Judges, as, ' If his ey be stricken out, lett him goe out for
his ey ;' 3. Wives from their husbands, if the essential! causes of
matrimonie be brokin. Why not then with a tyranne, the essen-
tial caus of obedience, the image of God's justice being cast off by
the tyranne, why may not ceasse the obligatioun of obedience ? And
this for his arguments, Avhich, you see, are verie frivolous and
weake.
" As for his conclusioun. Men may not putt hand in tyranns, he
will never deduce it out of this text. One word onlie seemeth to
make for that ; ' I said yee are gods.' But the nixt word plain-
lie (' not the lesse yee sail dee') testifeing, that name of gods is
not to free them from punishment, but to admonishe them of their
duetie ; which, becaus they neglect, they losse the name, and in-
curre the punishment. That out of this, according to his owne
forme of reasouning, if it follow weill, God hath placed them in the
place to doe justice, therefore, man sould not take them out of it,
though they play the tyranne ; it Avill follow better, God appoint-
eth them to dee : becaus they doe not justice, therefore they must
dee; therefore man may make them dee, when they become tyranns.
Which reason, if he thinke not good, then he must quite his owne
reasoun, and leave this place, as nather exeeming them from punisli-
ment in the one word of being of gods, Avhich telleth tliem what
470 calderwood's iiistorie 1585.
they soukl doc of ductie, nor yitt, having cxpressc command to
men, to slay them in the other, ' Yce sail dec ;' which showeth
onlie what God sail doc injustice.
" He pretended the thing which moveth him (and others also pre-
tend it in this eacc) is, that if a libertie to disobey or slay kings be
granted, then sail not good kings be obeyed, nor sure of their
throne and lives, becaus seditious or ambitious (of whom there are
ay anew) will call a good king a tyranne. But your Lordship
may consider the impietie of that reasoun ; for thereby we sail
take away all lawes, and punishment of all vices and wickednesses ;
for if we permitt theeves to be punished, wicked judges will call
an honest man a theefe. If yee permitt blasphcmie to be punished,
Jesabell will find a meanes to cans Naboth be compted a blas-
phemer. And if yee permitt seditioun to be punished, a tyran will
call a good patriot seditious, free admonitioun treasoun, and a
word of libertie rebellioun. Sail therefore seditioun be unpunished ;
sail thift, sail blasphemie ? And certanlie there is more perell, and
Cometh ofter to passe, that a tyranne doeth call an honest man sedi-
tious, than that subjects doe call a good king a tyranne. The
people suffer muclie, what by custome, what by naturall love of
their princes ; comport Avith manic great faults, and seldome come
to rise against them, without great, enorme, and intolerable inju-
reis ; that try when yee please, yee sail find they have comported
more with wicked, nor ever they made insurrectiouns against good.
Yea, I doubt if ever yee sail find anie insurrcctioun against good ;
nather against Avicked, but in verie extremitie of wickednesse, en-
orme and great occasiouns givin by the prince ; wheras, upon small
or no occasiouns, or forged lees, manic honest men have beene
overthrowne by tyranns. That is an inept and ridiculous pretence
for obedience, and securing of kings, to avouche obedience and im-
punitie to tyranns ; as who would, for securitie of honest matrons,
urge impunitie of harlots ? Plaine follie ! There is but one way for
securing of honest weomen. Lett them be farre from whoorish fa-
shiouns : for securitie of leill men, lett them be farre from breaking
doun dykes and houses : and lett a good king l)c farre from tyran-
1585. OF THE KTEK OF SCOTLAND. 471
nous doings. So, and so onlie, can he be sure, if word and worke
justifie him in the sight of God and man.
" And thus farre to your lordship's demand concerning Mr Craig.
But since we are fallin in this purpose, lett me tell your lordship,
how men, whill they will putt ftxce on this mater, waver betulxt
flatterie of princes, and truthe of reasoun, receaved and allowed by
commoun consent of all men against tyranns ; involve themselves
in manie absurditeis. I will bring for all Bodin, a Frenche writter,
in his booke of his Republick. Faine would he make even tyranns
sacrosanct (as they speeke) and untuicheable, vriih. all obedience to
them ; and concludeth them to be so, not to be tuiched by their
subjects, but obeyed ; and giveth his speciall reasoun, Becaus the
subjects have no jurisdiction over them. Yitt finding it strange
to make them v.ithout all feare of punishment, he casteth them in
the hands of forrane kings, and exhorteth forrane kings to exter-
mine them ; commending it as a lovable act at the imitatioun of
Hercules, who went through the world destroying these monsters
of tyranns. Xow, judge if there be a good reasoun to denie that
power to the countrie it self, (pretending they have no jurisdictioun,)
and give it to a fori'ainer, who hath no more jurisdictioun over an-
other prince. And whether is there more perrell in the ambitioun
of the countrie people nor of a stranger ; and who of them ablest
to pretend a specious cans to his particulars ? Besides, what sail be
the people's part in this cace, when a forrainer cometh to cut off
their tyranne ? Sail they fight against the forrainer ? And who "will
hazard for their releefe upon that conditioun? Sail they joyne with
him that cometh for their weale ? Reasoun would so ; but that is
rebellioun, if we trow Bodin. Or sail they be spectators or neutralls?
Yitt that is all one: it is disobedience. And yitt this same Bodin
saycth, ' They are monsters with monsters.' There is no societie,
lett be bonds of subjectioun and obedience ; yea, he sayeth, with
pyrats there is no societie, becaus they violate the bonds of himaane
societie ; and tyranns violat that farre more.
" The same man sayeth, ' A king may become a woolfe indeid ;
and that a gTeat king in Christianitie was so when he pleased.'
472 calderwood's historie 1585.
I aske him, when he is so, sould he be obeyed ? If he remained
ever so, sould he be obeyed ? Sould not his sacrosanct or sacred
Majestic be reverenced, sett in his throne, fed, not lett dee for
hunger, and that with child's flesh, becaus he would able eatc no
other, and delyteth most in it? Certanlie his reasons will import
it ; or, if shame putt him from that assertioun, and confessc it is
lawfull to putt him from his kingdome who hath putt himself from
humane nature, and can no more now guide a kingdome, what sail
Ave say to the same woolvish nature, though in the shaipe of a man,
cruell, wicked, licentious, subverting all, destroying all ? Is it not
als Weill worthie to be deprived of a kingdome that he can not or
will not guide right as he sould ? And, certanlie, the reasoun is
alike; for it is not the woolvish forme that men abhorre, (or not
so nmche,) as the woolvish nature. For prooflfe Avherof, suppone
a king were by inchantrie, contrare his will, so transformed in
shape onlie, keeping otherwise his reasoun, his speeche, his wis-
dome, justice, equitie, meekenesse, and all good governement, miss-
ing nothing that to a good prince belongeth, men would not so
muche abhorre hira as pitie him, expect how he might be amended,
and certanlie preferre his humane nature in the shape of a woolfe,
to a woolvish nature in the shape of a man, farre more tolerable,
and farre more commodious to the coinmoun Aveale, the weale
wherof is ever to be preferred.
" But will your lordship also heare what that great Doctor of
Lawes, Mr Blaikwod, and professed patron for princes, sayeth in
his treatise expreslie writtin for that effect ; to witt. That it is an
absurd thing to say that a prince's command sould be disobeyed :
yitt if a prince command anle thing unjust, we sould not obey it.
What then sould we doe ? ' Even thus,' sayeth he, ' that in
suche a cace, we must suppone suche a command not to be the
prince's; but that it is, 1. Some counterfoote thing in his name;
2. Or stollin from him at una wars ; 3. Or doing some other thing;
4. Or that the prince is ill informed ; 5. Or mistaikin ; G. Or caried
away with some passioun ; 7. Or prejudice.' So, for controlling
him, he will not abide that the sacred majestic, the seate of God,
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 473
be compelled or forced : yitt if he guide the countrie ill, and there
be perrells to the estate of the coniraoun weale thereby, they must
lay the wyte on his evill counsellers. These they may lay hand
on, and take order with, hang if they please, putt good men about
him, butt not tuiche himself; than which, I know not if he against
whom he writteth hath said anie thing more hardlie. For if we
may call his commands that are unjust stoUin, and so disobey him,
we need not to obey anie his unjust commands : and if w^e may
take order with his counsellers, whom will he gett to counsell, or
obey and execute his unjust commands? Yea, how can they doe
either, but Avith a manifest forcing, since he will oppone the one
and the other, and interpret all, and call all done against himself,
so that neither of them can be done without controlling himself?
xVnd, in effect, all cometh to one.
" I will not omitt also heere to tell your lordship of another dis-
tinctioun they use against unlawfull commands. They grant they
sould not give their Active obedience, (as they call it,) that is,
sould not doe the thing that is commanded : yitt they must give
them another obedience, which they call Passive obedience, that is,
suffer what the pinnce pleaseth to lay on them for their refusall, be
it a money penaltie, be it prisson, be it life, or what ever. But
questionlesse, if the command be unlaAvfull, the penaltie inflicted
for the refusall must be unlawfull, and the command of undernfoinir
that penaltie also unlawfull ; — therefore, no necessarie obedience to
that r>ommand. Therefore, if a tyranne command an unlawfull
thing under the paine of a pecuniall summe, a man is no more
bound to pay the summe, nor obey the command, for both are un-
lawfull ; farre iesse if the penaltie be upon his bodie, as on his life,
he is not bound to lay it doun ; or prisson, which importeth his
libertie, als deere to him as his life, and manie times draweth both
his goods and life by consequence. If, I say, he can gett these
things eschewed, he is not bound to undergo them, but may law-
fullie eshevv them. What sail he doe when he can not gett them
eshewed, is not a questioun of duetic, but of prudencie ; for that
same qvicstioun will arise against a briggand, when he hath no
474 calderwood's historie 1585.
obligatioun to obedience, if he be not able to resist him, how fiirre
he sail yeelcl. Putt the cace then, that the tyranne, for disobedi-
ence of his unlawful! command, would witli weapons invade his
subject, the subject is not so bound to this passive obedience but
that he may flee from him : nather, if he cannot flee, is be so bound
but that ho may cshev>' the strokes, yea, that he may rebatt them,
and putt them off; yea, that he may hokl liis hand, if need so con-
straine, that he cannot eshew otherwise. And what will these
passive obeyers answere to them that putt tlie cace he w^ere in a
shipp, and Avould command it sould be bored through, whereby
water might come in and drowne them all and himself; they would
not doe it, would they say, for his command. But Avould they
give a passive obedience, to suffer him to slay them for disobedi-
ence to his command ; or to doc it himself, to bore a hole, w^hereby
they all miglit drowne ; or would they sett aside that ceremonie,
and stay him calmelie, Avitlihold the borehole from him, yea, take
it from him, hold his hands, yea, if need were, bind him, rather to
save them all and himself? Which, if it were right to doc in a
privat shipp, Avhat is it in the shipp of a coramoun wealth, I pray
you, if a tyranne doe suche things in it, as draAV it in pcrcll of
drowning ?
" Now, the ground of all this, that tyranns must be obeyed, tliat
they must not be controlled, must not be resisted, but gett ever a
passive obedience, no way deprived, least of all putt hand in, riseth
of that, that they are gods ; Avhich name, they alledge, carieth all
these consequences, obedience, none resistance, none depryving,
etc. But how farre they come short of that, I have said before ;
that princes are not compared to gods bccaus of the like obedience,
but becaus they ought to imitat Him in justice. And to draw
a comparisoun from that point, wherein things are compared to
other points wherein they are not compared, is against the law of
comparisons. Secundlie, they who dispute these things tluis, dis-
pute them onlie for Absolute monarchs, as they call them. But
the name of God is not onlie givin to tliese absolute monarchs, it
was givin to Judges in Israel, before they had kings. And the
1585. OF THE Kir.K OF SCOTLAND. 475
Tiirkes yitt, to -svliom tliat phrase is familiar, when they sute other
to law, ' Lett us goe to God,' say they. By which they meane,
not their great monarch, the Emperour, but their under judges,
called * * , who have the cognitioun of causses and pleyos
amonsf them. Vrherebv it is cleere that reasoun from the name
Avhereby they are called gods, maketh no more for tyranns or
monarchs nor it doeth for everie judge, being commoun to everic
judge, even the basest ; as no questioun the basest, even the shirefF-
depute, the toun baillifte, the baron bailliffe, sitteth in the place of
God, when he sitteth to doe justice betuixt parties, yitt no man
vendicateth to them this absolute power for all that.
" Loe the ground of your lordship's cans, and this so worthie and
notable fact done by you to your perpetuall honour, of rave memo-
rie and exemple in anie age, Loe what yee have beene, not con-
templating and disputing in scliooles, but practising in the com-
moun wealth. For if it be not lawfuU to disobey the command
of princes in anie cace, even of lawfull and borne princes, then is
this fact of yours verie unlawfidl. If it be wrong to controll their
wills, then is your fact wrong, and to be condemned. If it be not law-
full to remove from them wicked counsellers and instruments of ini-
quitie, then hath your fact beene unlawfull, Avrong, inique, treason-
able. But the world acknowledgeth, all men agree, and the prince
himself confesseth, how yee have happilie atcheived a worthie worke,
freing your prince from the mou th of these wool ves orlyons, who went
devouring the realme and his fome : how yee have restored his
high expectatioun to him, him to his countrie, and to the Kirk of
God in all the world. There resteth one exceptioun and doubt in
men's mindes, if this hath beene your purpose and verie butt of
your enterprise ; or if it be but by accident, your butt being your
oAvne particulars ; for it is sure your particular was joyned with it.
Yitt that is no fault, nather, it is your fact, yea, I compt him hap-
pie whose lott joyneth his estate with an honest cans, to stand and
fall vrith it : or whose rainde and resolutioun casteth him in it.
But it is of great weight, which of the two he proponneth for his
butt ; his particular, or the cans. The proclamatioun which yee
476 calderwood's iiistorie 1585.
have published speeketh much of the pubHct caus. But hoAV men
thinke that the actions and forme of doing, fallin furth since, an-
swcreth thcrunto, yee may perceave by this letter ; to w'lU, they
are begunne to tliinke (whatever yee pretended in publict) your
intention and butt hath beene but your particulars. Their reasons
that make them so thinke, yee see are, yee have taikin order with
your particulars ; yee have done nothing for the maters of the kirk
nor countrie, as yee may see in this letter. And it is observed, that
of all parliaments that ever were lioldin in this countrie, this last
parliament is it onlie which hath no mentioun of the kirk, nather
beginning therat, as all others doe, nather in anie other part therof.
These neglects of estate of kirk and countrie, as they are compted
deformatiouns of your fiict, overthrowing the beautie therof,
(witnessing that they were pretended in shew onlie, not intend-
ed in substance,) so is it compted an crrour in politick and civiil
prudencie, to divide and separat your particulars from the caus of
kirk and countrie. Which as they have beene the raeanes to worke
the restitutioun of your particular estate, so they are the onlie meanes
to mainteane that restitutioun, and make it stand unbrangled."
He having thus said, my lord answereth : — " I know that ques-
tioun standeth undecided bctuixt these that stand for tyranns, and
these that stand against them, and is debated by lawyers on both
sides ; (as what is not debated, and called in questioun by them ?)
I see the continuall practise hath beene on both sides, and hath had
name, as it gott successe ; the nobilitie calling it tyrannic and mis-
guiding, the princes calling the controlling seditioun, treasoun, re-
bellioun. But if Doctor Blaikwod wrote that which yee say, he
rightlie tuiched the point and fashioun of this countrie, whose com-
moun forme hath ever beene, that in suchc cases, to tak order with
the wicked counsellors, Avith all respect to their prince, as ever had
anie natioun, yitt it drew at last to a direct dealing against the
prince himself, Avhill he spilleth the caus, and ather is about to
mainteane them or avenge them : that if he say, it be lawfuU to
punishe their wicked counsellers, he must need say, it is law full
to controll themselves. Nather is he aware, that, in so saying, he
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND, 477
setteth the nobilitie or estats judges, whether these counsellers be
Avicked or not ; whether their proceedings be for the weale of the
countrie, which the prince wuU alledge they are ; both themselves
good servants, and their service profitable to him and his countrie.
And these actiouns which they doe, and courses which they take,
they doe them and take them, not as counsellers prescriving them
to him, but as servants at his command ; and that, therefore, what
is done against them is not against them, but against him ; nather
are they wicked, but good and faithful!.
" NoAv, the cace standing thus, to whomsoever he giveth power to
tak order with them as wicked, he giveth the power to cognosce
them as wicked, to judge them as wicked, and that contrare to the
judgement of their prince, who would never judge them wicked.
And yitt, except it be so, when wicked men sail insinuat them-
selves about young princes, (ather young in yeeres or in judgement,)
and abuse their names, or pervert their mindes, how sail the prince
be saved from them or the countrie, whole estat, religioun, lawes,
orders, and particular men from wracke, as hath beene practised
profitablie and necessarilie diverse times before, in this our countrie
and princes, and now, by us, on a flatt necessitie, and for his owne
weale, and weale of the countrie ? which, for my owne part, (I sail
answere for one, and can not but for one,) hath beene no lesse re-
garded, than anie particular of my owne ; and still sail be, by God's
grace, so long as the life is within my bowke. I can not tell how
long it will be, and the longest livers live but a short time ; and I
compt him not to live in effect, that liveth but to live or injoy anie
thing that is no more nor in this life. This lessoun I have learned
substantiouslie, (so my God hath schooled me ;) and I speeke to
you seriouslie, knoAving to whom I speeke ; nather sail ever my en-
deavoures have anie particular for the last end of them. That
things are not so weill done to this effect as need Avere, and
cleerelie to the satisfactioun of the ministrie and all honestlie af-
fected, it greeveth me als muche as anie ; and I am not ignorant
that these inconveniences follow,' that we undergo the slander of
particular regarde, of carelesnesse of the countrie, of the kirk, and
478 calderwood's histokie 1585.
all commoun respects, as though all these speeches and proclama-
tioims "wcie but pretences ; that if ever suche mater sail come again
in questiouu, our credit sail belesse. Yitt not for these causes, but
for tlie veric Aveill doing it self, is my desire, that everie thing sould
be rightlie done, becaus it is right so to doe. But what can I amend
it ? I am but one of a societie, nathcr can I perswade them othei-
wise, nather am I able to compell them, neither were it good I
sould ; nather is it the forme of a societie so to doe, but to doe
with a commoun consent, what may be obteancd, and to goe no
farther, otherwise, it sould dissolve our societie, and draw us sin-
drie and in diverse factiouns among our selves, and joyne some part
of us Avith others, to the overthrow of us all; which, if ever it come
to passe, sail never come by occasioun from me.
" Men thinke my place is a principall ; and yitt, so it is a princi-
pal!, that it is but the place of one nather so princijiall, that tliere
is not another als principall, equall, or perhaps beyond it, in respect
of proximitie of blood, even to the kingdome, if it sould fall out so :
(for no king, yec know, can be so neei'e to me ; nather, therefore,
anie whom I sould, or will affect so muche.) Alwise, this maketh
no little swey ; him (I meane the Lord Hammiltoun yee know) the
IMaister of Glames sweyeth. The Maister deliteth to be deepe
in his counsells, and pleaseth himself in this foshioun yee see he
useth. I have manie time told him and others my opinioun : I
cannot perswade. Would I take a course to thraw him, what
harme might it doe ; yea, what concurrence would I gett, or of
what freindship could I assure myself? Maxwell, yee know what
regarde he hath ; what religioun he is of. I can ne^er forgett the
Avatche-word he gave at Fawkirk, professing plainlic his disposi-
tioun to superstitioun, ' Sanct Andrew.' And who Avote Avhat
raotioun he may carie privilie to the stile of his crledome ? Of
your cheefe, darre we hope better? My brother-in-laAv, how
kittle is he ! What paine had I to reteane him at FaAvkirk, and
vitt to keepe him in good order ! There is one onlie of Avhose
steidfastnesse and freindship I darre assure my self, as of my self;
the Erie of Marr, loving, faithfull, and constant, yitt so tossed Avith
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 479
]iis troubles past, that lie is loathe to Involve himself of uew, where
it can anie Avise be eschewed. And why sould I not be als loathe
to putt him to hazard, or occasloun it, contrare his dispositioun ?
God forbid that I sould, and not be als carefull of him as he is of
himself.
" Alwise, this fashioun we use, as I approve it not altogether,
yitt darre I not condcmne it altogether. "We have to doe with
our prince. What sould we not doe to wonne him with gentle-
nesse, and not so muche thraw his will, as draw his will to anie
good effect : not so muche bend us contrare his inclinatioun, as
calmelie wonne it from the evill temper it hath gottin. He de-
sireth to be, and to be knowne to be, at libertie. It approveth
our part it be so ; testifieth our minde to him, love, and obe-
dience. He ])romiseth not to wnthdraAv, nor joyne him with
others. Our trusting deserveth it sould be so, and by deserving,
wonne his affectioun ; a surer band than a guarde, which would in-
terteane mutuall suspicioun, provoke to seeke meanes of freing him-
self therefra, and could hardlie be so strait, that one sett so sould
not escape it ; beside the charges, &c. Nather yitt need we to
feare too muche : if anie suche meaning he had, we know who
would, or could be our partie, and what force they have. That there
are some suffered to remaine about him that are not good freinds
to us, and have beene evill instruments, is of the same ground,
that he and others may see his libertie, and what confidence we
have in him. That the state of the ministrie is not brought to
that point we wishe, we can not get it done suddanlie, except we
would plainlie and directlie force him. To which how many would
concurre ? Yitt we hope to woi'ke it with his consent, betime ;
for the ministrie thus insisting, and he committing them, Ave inter-
ceed, that his anger goeth to no extreme point, save a short Avaird-
ing, of small time. In the meanetime, they have leasure to informe
him ; and he will wearie, of will, of suche continuall oppositioun.
Which, Avhenit sail come to passe, it sail be better and more stead-
fast tlian if it were noAv thoAved out by anie compulsioun.
" These be the grounds upon Avhich they build these Avorkes, Avho
480 calderwood's histokie 1585.
thinke tliemselves verie wise among us. Which, though they seeme
not to satisfie everie one for the present, wlio knoweth them not,
or, perhaps knowhig, allow them not ; yitt, when they sail see the
effect, will thinke better of them. Nather feare they to want con-
currence of honestlie affected men, incace we were putt at ; for
whom other would they gett to mean anie good in anie measure ?
Yea, whom would they not see to meane muche ill ? And we,
though we doe not all the good we would, yitt are we doing some,
and hold off muche ill, which they Avill therefore rather assist and
endure, than that all sould perishe. Yee may happilie thinke yee
have muche to say against this. But, as I said before, though I
approve not all, yitt I condemne not all ; so I say now, though I re-
port all, yitt I allow not all, and confesse muche more we sould
doe, could doe ; and it were better if Ave were all of one minde.
But this is the wisdome of our dungeoun and deepest witted poli-
ticks, which I am resolved to crosse and urge no more, but take my
hazard among the rest ; and I hope God sail provide for me as for
them, and my part to be als weill knowne everie Avay to honest
men. And, therefore, we Avill have no moe objectiouns, and reasoun
no more at this time."
" Weill, my lord, it sail be so then ; we sail reasoun no more of
the mater. Indeid, your part is best interpreted, save that they
thinke your authoritie sould be of greater weight, and rather goe
before than follow, as yee may see. This one thing give me leave
to remember, tulching the king, (not as some say lightlie, he is the
best that ever man listed Avith,) but seriouslie, he is the best
instrument that is in Europ, and therefore in the world, of whom
we can expect greatest weale to the Kirk of God : the onlie king
brought up in sinceritie of religioun ; of so great expectatioun, and
becaus of the expectatioun, so greatlie favoured and beloved over
all who be professors ; of great spirit, ingyne, and judgement, joyned
with singular education, reading, and knowledge. A great pitie
such a one Avere lost, ather by corruption that may (as is the nature
of humane things) come in his owne minde, or by poysoun that may
be suggested by others. You doe exceeding weill thus to cherish
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 481
him caluielie, gentlie treatthig lilin, and submisselie dealing with
him, the way how to wonne even Avilde things voide of reason ;
more, reasonable men ; most of all, princes, men in that degree not
to be harassed, throwed, and thralled ; so losing and spoiling them,
as was done to King Alexander's hors, Bucephalus, by his father
Philip's courteours, till Alexander perceaved their fault, and cor-
rected it. And if ever yee intend anie great mater in this countrie,
or yitt in Europ, loe the meanes ; use it weill. The Lord grant
and give you successe.
" But this, I hoi)e, may be suggested to your consideratioun,
whether this obsequiousnesse (so to call it) and calmenesse be the
onlie meane yee have to use toward him ; smoothing all, and allow-
ing all ; never mentiouning the abuses that have beene, and con-
tinue ; or if it be fitt, also to remonstrat freelie, though reverentlie,
what hath beene and may be amisse in religioun and commoun
Aveale, in this or suche forme as heere, in the end of this letter, or
to the like effect. And if it be fitt and tolerable for the right won-
ning of him to right, that men not meaning right have his eare,
and be his most inward counsellers ; and becaus I feare greatlie
the meanes whereby they have perverted all, and may yitt use to
pervert all, and have gained most upon his tender age, is the inten-
tioun he hath to our neighbour kingdome, on which he hath a bent
minde, and to which, no questioun, he hath right In successioun, but
hath need of assistance to obteane ; which he may thinke can not
be gottin sufficient, without hel})e of Catholicks, as they call them,
in England, France, Spaine, Italic, Rome itself, they not gottin
without hopes, or more than hopes, toleratioun, countenancing,
cherishing, advancing. This will not, he may thinke, be obteaned
with the sincerltie of the discipline and governement of our kirk,
Avhich may make him the more hardlie affected toward it, as good
it were concealed, and the more inclyning to that of bishops. By
which, as he sail please the statsman in England, so sail he the
more I'estraine our preachers, and their freedome of speeches and ad-
monitiouns, and the more freelie deale and traffique with Catholicks,
mingle all sorts of people, as he may thinke all sorts necessar for his
VOL, IV. 2 H
482 cali^euwood's histouie 1585.
use in acquiring of it. AVherc, not the lessc, not one of these arc
of great consequence. Papists out of the countric, France, or Spaine,
Avill never in earnest wishe him to be King of England : France
for his necrenesse, to be so great, for his title to their OAvne crowne,
for the want of the Scottish league and assistance from them, with
an accessioun to England ; Spaine pretend title themselves, which
they will rather advance ; Papists within the He are yitt none in a
maner in Scotland, few in England, and of no resisting force, if
they would concurre. Bishops there stand by the state, not the
state by them ; of meane birth, no great substance, lessc freindship
and following, easie to be framed to what course so pleaseth, their
lyfetimes reserved, or without condltioun. The force of that coun-
trie are these that sceke rcformatioun ; and certanlic the wisdom e of
it, of greatest swey in favour of the people, and credit of the par-
liament hous, if man knew. Gaine them, gainc that countric. Tills
truthe, as it is of truthe, Avould be imprinted by fitt persons, and
the contrare removed.
" Your lordship hath scene the letter directed to you all, from
some of them, conteaning their judgments, not to be contemned
certanlic, that by mingling of rcligiouns, or by the helpc of the con-
trare, he can not atteanc unto that place. Ilappie is he to whom
God hath made rellgioun even profitable for possessjng his owne ;
for atteanlng that other kingdome ; for credit, favour, and autho-
ritie in all kingdoms. Xather hath he need of anie politick, farrc-
fetched course to take, for atchieving of that mater, but a plain
effaldnesse, interteanlng justice, peace, and rellgioun, in his owne
countrle ; and the more earnestlle and throughlle, the more to his
credit, and advancing of that purpose. This joyneth him throughlle
to your lordship, as the oplnloun of the contrare is the most eifec-
tual cans to disjoyne him from you. Upon the same ground riseth
it, if it be best to suffer him and the mlnistrie be at this debate,
they finding fault with him, and he grudging with them ; and, if it
be not to be feared, that it sail gender in him a loathsomenesse of
them, and in them and the countrie a wearlnesse of him ; and if,
therefore, it be better to interpone your credite, to Informe, and
1585. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 483
speeke truelie and freelie, than to looke through your fingers, as
they speeke, beholding the mater, and now and then procuring for
some releefe to them ; which fostereth rather the canker than reme-
dieth it, thankes not being givin to him therefore. Certanlie, if I
were a politick, with anie mal-talent toward him, I being desired
to prepare a way, a secund intrant, I would take this same
course to incense him against them ; irritat him to committ, or
at least foster his disposition therin, to bring him so to loath
and be loathed ; take from him that his great expectatioun, and se-
perat and disjoynt him from suche, and suche fi*om him ; thereon,
bring in neutralls in religioun ; then countenance men of con-
trarie religioun : then suspicioun, then alienatioun, and what not ?
As I am, out of my poor affectioun, I wishe they were taikin away :
I wishe, I say. Lett your lordship see to it as yee will be served ;
and on that minde you spake, to have the honour to be neerer to
no king that may come heerafter, and yitt may take this word
again ; for your lordship is in the same degree with the nixt ap-
parent, my Lord Hammilton's childrein. Yett yee desire to see no
change, I know, but to continue in the present race, as I thinke,
in truthe, my lord himself hath no other minde, nather anie other
good subject in Scotland. The mater is worthie of your lordship's
considerance, so muche the more, as yee have scene heere how farre
ill companie hath had power to make things goe on alreadie. I
leave it and rest, as not my part, but to wishe weill, and follow, as
your lordship goeth before. In the meane time, I have also re-
ceaved heere a note of a sheete or two of paper, tuiching the
abusses of kirk and commoun weale, sent to me by Mr James Mel-
vill, I know, to communicat it with your lordship, that yee may
lay it beside you, and readc it, for a remembrance, wdien yee have
leasure."
This he taketh, and reading it with a deepe sigh, *' God knoweth
my part," sayeth he ; "I sail neglect nothing that is possible to me
to doe ; and would to God the king knew my heart to his weale,
and would give eare to it. But," &c.
After the banished lords and ministers returned to the countrie,
48 i CALDKjr.VOOD's UISTOKIE 1585.
the pest abated claylic, so tliat in the spring following all the touns,
almost desolate before, were repeopled.
THE CONFEIIENCE AND KEASONING BETUIXT THE KING S MAJESTIE
AND JAMES GIBSONE, MINISTER AT PENCAITLAND, THE 21ST OP
DECEMBER 1585, AT LINLITHQUO, BEFORE HIS MAJESTIE's
COUNSELL.
First, at his Majestie's command, the said James was taikin at
his owne kirk of Pencaitland, by a godlie gentleman called William-
sone, lieutenant of his Majestie's guarde, at whose hands the said
James found great favour and good will ; and safelie conveyed him
to Linlithquo, where he Avas most shnrplie accused by the king's
owne mouth.
First, his Majestic speared at him, " How call they you ?"
Minister. " Please your Majestic, James Gibsone."
King. " Where are you minister ?" Minister, " At Pencait-
land."
King. " How long have you beene minister there ?" Minister.
" Seven yeeres. Sir."
King. " Have you beene in England ?" 3Iinister. " Yes, Sir."
King. "Who chassed you thither, or what moved you to goe
away ?" Minister. " If it please your Majestic, that which moved
others moved me."
King. " What was that ?" Minister. " Persecutioun, Sir."
King. "Persecutioun! Persecutioun! what call yec persecutioun ?
can yee defyne it ?" Minister. " I were not worthic of my office
if 1 could not doe that."
King. "What is it, then?" Miiiister. " Shortlie, Sir, it is a
troubling of the sancts of God for professing a good caus; and
naniclie, for Christ's sake."
King. {Speakiiig angrilie, and in great rage.^ " Say yee that they
were persecuted for Christ's sake? Who was your persecutor?"
Minister. " Cnptane James Stewart."
1585. OF THE KTRK OF SCOTLAND. 485
King. " The man you call so was als good in religioun as your
self; for if he had beene als good in all other things as he was in
religioun, he had not beene evill. And if you had called him so be-
fore the parliament, being one of my erles, I had said, yee had beene
a leing knave." Minister. " Your Majestie may call me what you
please ; but he was never other to me, and to all good men, but an
enemie to God and his truthe, and one in whome there is no good-
nesse. I pray your Majestie with patience heare me, and charitablie
judge upon me ; and come to the specialls that your Majestie hath
to charge me Avith."
King. " Have you taught in Edinburgh at anie time since yee
came home ?" Minister. " Yes, Sir."
King. " What was your text ?" Minister. " Out of the sixteenth
of Matthew, these words, ' If anie man will come after me, denie
himself, and take up his crosse, and follow me.'"
King. " What moved you to take that text ?" Minister. " The
Spirit of God, Sir."
King. " The Spirit of God!" (i-epeating thrise over, taimtinglie.)
Minister. "Yes, Sir, the Spii'it of God, that teacheth all men,
cheefelie at extraordinarie times, putteth that text in their heart
that serveth best for the time."
King. " What gathered yee off that text ?" Minister. " I can
not now remember."
King. " xVre yee so Aveake of memorie ?" Minister. " No, Sii*,
I am not so Aveake ; but if it please your Majestie to grant me a
little leasure, Avith God's grace I sail repeate it all."
King. " Yea, but named yee no man's names in that text r" 3fi-
nister. " No, Sir."
King. " What Avas the text yee had, Avhen yee named these
names, {taking out a xciitting,) Captane James Stewart, Colonel I
William StCAvart, counsellers, and Ladie Jesabell ?" Minister.
" This was my text, the 27th Psalme, ' The Lord is my light/
&c."
King. " What doctrine gathered yee there, and how brought
yee in their names ?" Minister. " After this maner : David speek-
486 calderwood's historie 1535.
ing there iu the person of Christ, comparing the kirk of God to an
unmovable stone, that whosoever did rise against the same in anie
age, to the dust they fell ; as likewise, whosoever sould rise heer-
after sould fall. This I proved by Scripture, by historie, and by
experience without the countrie and within the countrie ; and so
came to the last that had fallin before this stone : and so, having
occasioun to speeke of our present kirk, I said, I thought it had
beene Captane James Stewart, Colonell William Stewart, and
Ladie Jesabell, that had only persecuted the same ; but I saw it
was the king himself, becaus he passed fordward in that cursed
course that they began."
King. " What ! (m great anger^ call yee me a persecuter ?" Mi-
nister. " Yes, Sir ; so long as yee mainteane the wicked acts against
God, and the libertie of his kirk, yee are a persecuter."
King. " Wherin is there anie thing betuixt you and me, but
maters of policie ?" Minister. " Yes, Sir ; whosoever will intrude
anie tyranns upon the kirk, and mainteane the same against the
Word of God, he is a persecuter."
King. " What is that I mainteane against the Word of God ?"
Minister. " The tyrannic of bishops, and absolute power."
King. " Will yee rcasoun in that ?" Minister. " Yes, Sir, if it
please your Majestic."
King. " I sent not for you to dispute." Minister. " Then, Sir, I
pray your Grace, for the love of God, Avith patience heare me, and
charitablie judge of me, and I sail answere truehe to anie thing
your Majestic sail charge me with."
Ki7ig. " Whom to compaired yee me ? — to Jeroboam, and said,
as he and all his were rooted out, so sould I be rooted out, and be
the last of that race." Minister. " I pray your JNIajestie judge as
I spake, and I sail declare it plainlie, accepting my conditions, as I
spake."
King. " All your conditions sail be accepted." Minister. " Now,
Sir, I speeke now in presence of your Majestic, as at all times be-
fore. First, I had never occasioun to speeke of your Majestic, but
I made a solemne protestatioun, that I spake reverentlie and loving-
1585. OF THE IvIKK OF SCOTLAND. 4:67
lie towiird your Majestie, concluding with a prayer. Secundlie, I
protest before God, for my owne part, as likewise for all the faith-
full ministers of Scotland, we love your Majestie's weale in
soule and bodie, and sail be found faith full and loving subjects,
when they that have informed your Majestic with wrong tales of
us sail be knowne what they are."
King. " Speeke for your self." Minister. " Sir, I must speeke for
them also, seing we are all one bodie : for when I am tuiched, they
are tuiched, and when they are cleered, so am I ; and so, we are
accompted all together. Thridlie, Sir, I protest before God, I spake
never more plainlie to your ^Majestic In no place than I did in
your owne presence in Dalkeith, and yitt therin your Majestic
was not offended with me."
King. " I will not give a turd for thy preaching ! (^mid that
most proudlie,^ this is not the purpose." JSlinister. " If you will
heere with patience, I sail make it agree with the purpose. At
that time, having occasloun to bring in the exemple of Joas, I
shewed, als long as he followed the counscll of Jehojada he pros-
pered ; but from once Jehojada died, that he followed wicked
counsell, he made an evill end."
King. " That is true." Minister. " This I applyed to your
Grace, that In Scotland there were manic Jehojadahs, and if your
Majestic Avould follow their good counsell of God's Spirit, yee
sould be young Joas, and if you would not, yee sould be old Joas.
Even so as I spake at that time with conditions, so have I spoken
since, praying your Majestic to accept them."
King. " They are accepted : say on." Minister. " Having occa-
sloun to speeke of Jeroboam, I said, that as Jeroboam, for leading
the people of Israel from the lawes of the hous of Judah, and from
the true worship of God, to follow idolatrle, was rooted out, he and
all his posterltie, so sould the king. If he continued in that cursed
course, mainteaning wicked acts against God, sould be rooted out,
and conclude his race."
King. " Said yee that ?" Minister. " Yes, Sir."
488 caldeiiwood's historie 1585.
King. " How prove yee that ?" Minister. " I proved it as I
proved the secund."
Then angrIHe he shewed out the written booke to them. Then
I was dismissed for a time ; and after advisement, was called in
again.
King. " Know yee none of my late acts ?" Minister. " No, Sir."
King. " Tlien yee are ignorant of them ?" Minister. " Yes, Sir."
King. '' Will yee subscrive this?" Miiiister. " Yes, Sir."
And he tooke the pen from Mr George Young, and subscrived
the same. Then the said James made a new protestatioun, desiring
his Majestie to suffer him use suche libertie as the Word will per-
mitt.
King. " That will not be denied." Minister. " Then, Sir, in all
maters of judgement, there are foure things to be considered : 1.
A judge; 2. The person judged; 3. A cans; 4. Witnesses to
prove the same. I am the person ; the cans I have subscribed,
oblishing my self thereby to defend it : but who sail judge? Not
your Majestie, for you are no competent judge to my doctrine."
King. " Goe your way. Sir ; we sail doe weill eneugh to that."
Then he turned to the lords, and tooke the honorable counsell to
witnesse, that he hurt not the libertie of the kirk : " For," said he,
" I declyne his Majestie's judgement, as no ordinarie judge to my
doctrine." Then he turning away, his Majestie speared. If he was
in the Castell of Dalkeith ? He answered, " Yes, Sir."
King. " I trow yee went in there, as Johne Knox went in the
Castell of St Andrewes, when the Cardinall was sticked."
So it was concluded, that he sould be committed in closse prissoun
to the Castell of Edinburgh, to ly there on his owne expences.
" Countriemen," said he, " I have subscrived, ' James Gibsone,
Minister of God's Word.'" In disdaine of that style, the king said,
" It is the commoun style of them all."
1586. OF THE KIKK OF SCOTLAXD. 489
M.D.LXXXVI.
The Lord Maxwell caused sing and say masse openlie, in the
kirks of Glencludden, upon the 24th, 25th, and 26th of December ;
wherupon, he and the rest of the hearers were charged to compeare
before the Secreit Counsell. He compeered, and offered himself
to triell. He was neverthelesse committed to waird in the Castell
of Edinburgh ; but soone after was sett at libertie, and at the king's
command, past off the countrie.
The proceedings in the effaires of the kirk may be gathered out
of this letter following, written by Mr James Melvill, the secund of
Januar : —
"From Berwick I came directlie to court, and to the parliament,
where I found maters so farre by my expectatioun, that I looked
like one that had fallin out of the lift, I Avas so amazed. For where
as I supposed that our folkes sould have used that authoritie Avliich
God had putt in their hands, and [)urpose throughlie to goe to re-
formatioun, I find all contrariwise ; the king playing Rex, scorning
and taunting all, boasting the poore, and bragging the riche ;
triumphing over the ministers, and calling them lownes, smaicks,'
seditious knaves, and so furth. There was assembled a number of
our best brethrein. We suted abrogatioun of the acts of parlia-
ment, and an act for establishing discipline. The lords sent us to
the king, the king boasted us, and we gott no more. We gave in
our animadversiouns upon tlie last acts, showing how they could by
no meanes stand. But the king would have us contented with an
interpretatioun and declaratioun of his, dytted by himself, the
which, he alledges, sould be als good for us as an act of parliament ;
and when we gott it, it was but a dinne hummill kow." At last,
he promised a conference and Generall Assembhe to be convocated
by him, imjyeratore prasideiite ; and so, Ave spent operam et oleum.
In the meane tyme, Mr Johne Howesone made a good exhorta-
tioun, telling the truthe, and meit for the purpose : but thcie was
' Contemptible fellow. '■* \ jj,,-, (^.q„. witlumt licrns.
490 caldkhavood's itistoiue 158G.
no reniedie — he must goc to waird. Mr AVilliam Wutsonc fol-
lowed after, and to gett him some liking and commeudatioun, as
appeared, spake raggatlie' the rough truthe ; and he was chopped
up beside the other. The king alledgcd, that it was the English
ministers (so he termed us) that had stirred them up, and made
Mr Craig, Mr David Lindsey, and the Minister of Linlithquo, to
occupie the rest of the time. Mr Craig pleased the king in all
points, and exhorted the lords and ministers not to stand upon
their innocencie, but to fold their feete, and crave pardoun and
grace at the king : so, justified the subscribers, and condemned
these that had left their flockes. At last then Avas your mewche,
the bishop, brought, and he taught, ' ccce qiiam bonmn, et quam
jucundum,^ and flattered all. What sail I say, man ? I abode never
suche a crosse in ray life, as at this kinde of parliament. What
could we doe ? We ranne to the lords, everie one after other, and
some times all together : Ave discharged our consciences to them ;
Ave threatned them, Avaried^ them, and cursed them. But Avhat ?
— everie one, severallie, confessed it Avas Avrong ; laycd the Avyte
upon over muche Avisdome. The Avise said, it Avas not yitt tyme ;
but Ave sould see a redresse belyve, in another parliament. Sed in-
terim patitur Justus, and the curse of God lyes on them, for build-
ing of their OAvne houses, and suffering the hous of God to ly. The
king Avould suffer nather living nor honour to be taikin from anie
of the troublers ; na, skairslie from Captan Candie James, lett be
their lives. I feare nothing but a more heavie judgement upon the
king, lords, and people, nor I have scene. As to the subscribing
ministers, first, Avhcn the lords came in, and prospered, they seemed
to yeeld, and offer satisfactioun. But how soone they perceaved
the lords to be boasted, and give over tluit Avhich God had givin
them, and the king to stand stoutlie to the old marke, and Mr Craig
to preache openlie against the peregrine ministers, they stoode
stiffelie in their Avickcdnesse, and insisted in the defence of their
fact. James Gibsone spake plainlie, in the pulpit of Edinburgh,
his rainde of the king ; and was called and accused, and is present-
lie in Avaird in the Castcll of Edinburgh. Ilis accusatioun and an-
' Rcproaclifiilly. ^ Donouncod.
158G. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 491
swere I have sent unto you. Mr Andrew hath beene a sore traick-
ed' man since he came home ; ryding up and doun all the countrie,
to see if he might move the brethrein to repent and joyne together,
and waiting on court and parliament ; and is now compelled, for
one caus and other, to goe and rest in Glasgow. There is an act
of restitutioun made in favours of all ministers, that within thir
few yeeres past away off the countrie, to their livings and offices ;
and this is all that we could obteane at this parliament. But 1 live
yitt in some hope of better, per secundam navigationemr
In the moneth of Januar, Lord Claud Hammiltoun, Commendatar
of Paisley, returned to this countrie, and gott presence of the king,
the day after his arrivall at Leith.
Upon the 2d of Januar, the king came from Innerleith to ser-
moun, in the Great Kirk of Edinburgh, made by Mr Walter Bal-
calquall, minister. The king, after sermoun, rebooked Mr Walter
publictlie from his seate in the loaft, and said, he would prove
there sould be bishops and spirituall magistrats endued with author-
itie over the ministrie ; and that he did not his duetie to con-
demne that which he liad done in parliament.
There was a conference betuixt some of the counsell and some
of the ministrie, at Ilalyrudhous, the 17th of Februarie 158G,
where they agreed upon the heeds following : —
" It is condescended to in reasouning, that the name of a bishop
hath a speciall charge and function annexed to it by the Word ; his
electioun to be, by a presentatioun to be directed by his Majestic to
the Generall Assemblie, of whom he sail receave his admissioun.
" That he sail be appointed to a speciall kirk, where he sail
keepe residence, and there serve the cure, as a minister, providing
alwise that the particular flockes being forewarned, have place to
oppone, as in the electioun of other ministers.
" That the Generall Assemblie sail clioose out a senat or presby-
terie of the most learned and godlie ministers within liis bounds,
to be limited to him, to have the oversight of in visitatioun, which
sail be onlie used by advice of the presbyterie.
' Overtoiled with travel.
492 calderwood's histokie 1586.
" By the senat's advice, he sail receave all presentatiouns of mi-
nisters within his said bounds, and by their advice proceed to their
triell and collatioun ; which coUatioun sail be subscribed by the
bishop or commissioner, and the greatest part of his said senat or
presby terie, in assemblie lawfullie conveenned ; and by himself sail
doe nothing, but that which a particular minister or moderator is
astricted to by his office.
" If he be slanderous in his life or doctrine, he sail be answerable
to the Generall Assemblie, to be appointed iramediatlie, upon com-
plaint made therof to his Majestic, by one or two of the ministrie.
And if he be so found indeid, to be deprived by them. Wherupon
another sail immediatlie be presented of new by his Majestic
thereto.
" If he admit or deprive, without the consent of the most part
of his senat, the deid to be null, and the doing therof a sufficient
cans of deprivatioun to him.
" The number of the senat sail be appointed at the first by the
Generall Assemblie, with his Majestie's advice. And if anie of the
persons appointed therupon depart this life, another to be chosin
in his place by the synodall.
" His power to be ordirds causa, 7ion jurisdictionis.
" He sail be visiter within his owne bounds to be appointed to
him ; and where he may not convenientlie overtake the whole
bounds, called of old the Diocie, commissioners sail be presented
by his Majestic to the Generall Assemblie, and sail be tried and
admitted by them to that effect, as the bishops are to theirs, and
to be comptable allanerlie to the said Assemblie ; and the bishops
to have no power within the bounds committed to them, no more
nor they have within his.
" The commissioners being elected, as said is, to have alike senat
and power in the executioun of their office as the bishops have.
" The bishops and commissioners sail visie the presbytereis, and
the moderator of the presbytereis sail visie the particular kirks.
" The same caus in life and doctrine to deprive a bishop that
depriveth a minister.
1586. OF THE KIKK OF SCOTLAND. 493
" That presbyterels of persons eccleslastlcall sail be erected in
convenient places by the Generall Assemblie, with advice of his
Majestic or his commissioners ; and the whole realme to be con-
venientlie divided to that effect.
" Where and in what presbyterie the person presented is to be
admitted minister, upon advertisement made to the bishop or com-
missioner, he sail repaire thither immediatlie with his senat or pres-
byterie, and upon triell tane, admitt or refuse."
ASSEMBLIES.
" Synodall Assemblies to be twise in the yeere.
'' First Synodall to be the 12th day of Aprile nixt.
" First Generall Assemblie the 10th of May nixt, in Edinburgli,
or where his Majestic sail otherwise appoint, and to be convocated
by his Majestie's proclamatioun, and missives to the bishops and
commissioners in the said Assemblie, (where, God willing, hisHie-
nesse himself mindeth to be personallie present ;) his Majestic, by
advice of suche of the number present as he sail adjoyne unto him,
sail devise and sett doun a good and solide order, for their convo-
cating, and appointing of all other circumstances belonging thereto,
in time to come. Moderator of the first Generall Assemblie sail
be chosin by maniest voices."
JURISDICTION.
" Jurisdictioun of the kii-k consisteth in doctrine, ministratioun
of the Sacraments, exercise of discipline, and correctioun of maners,
by excommunication, and other usuall censures of the kirk, as like-
wise absolution from the same.
" That there are some offences which properlie perteane to the
kirk to enquire upon, as heresie, apostasie, witchecraft, idolatrie,
and all frailtie in the flesh, blasphemie, perjurie, usurle, abusing of
the Sacraments, breaking of the Sabboth.
" That there are others that the kirk onlie may punish by the
censures, and not cognosce upon, as slaughter, * * * * open dis-
obeyers of their parents, smorers of childrein, and suche like, not-
491: calueuwood's iiisTOKiE 158G.
withstanding that the civill magistrat have remitted the penaltie of
the law to the conniiitter.
" That Mr R. Montgomric sail be re-prcsented to the Gencrall
Assemblie, and there purge his offence, and be orderlie reconciled
to the kirk.
" That Mr William Watsone, in his odious comparisoun of his
Majestic to Jeroboam, and making him inferiour to him, is thought
to have committed an offence worthie to be amended, and purged
in open pulpit ; and which the ministrie present wish and desire
him to doe, the rather becaus of his promise made to the Laird of
Largo, when he was sett at libcrtie, so to doe.
" Ajmd Hahjrudhous, 19th Februarij 1586.
" It is agreed and thought mectest that the subdivisioun of dio-
ceis, cans of deprivatioun, voting in parliament, commissioners' and
moderators' stipends, and the setting of a steadfast and continuall
order of the ministers' stipends, sail be remitted to a new confer-
ence, to be appointed by his Majestic heere at Halyrudhous, or
where it sail happin him to be for the time, eight or ten dayes be-
fore the nixt Generall Assemblie ; the same men of the ministrie,
and some others, as his Majestic sail thinke meetest for the pur-
pose, being warned thereto.
" Toward the fasting, the generall is remitted to the Generall
Assemblie ; the particular to everie particular kirk, according to
their zeale and present occasioun."
Upon the 2r)th of Februarie, Mr Eandulph came in ambassado-e
from England.
Li the same moneth of Februar, Sir William Stewart of Monk-
toun, brother to the Erie of Arran, was taikin beside Strabrocke,
by the Lord Hammilton's servants, caried to PLammiltoun, and
after sent to Edinburgh to the Lord Hammiltoun, and then sett
at libertie.
The provinciall assemblie of Fife conveenned at Sanct Andrewes
in the beginning of Aprile, which was intermitted these two yeeres
bygane. Mr James jNIelvill, Professor of Theologie, made the ex-
1586. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 495
hortatioun, as moderator of the last assemblle, upon Rom. xii. 3, 4,
5, 6, 7, 8. The asscmbhe being conveenned in the place accus-
tomed verie frequentlie, and the bishop placing himself hard be-
side him, with a great pontificalitie, and big countenance, (as he
bragged he was in his owne citie, and had the king his maister's
favour, he needed not to feare no man,) after incalling of the name
of God, he entered in the doctrine, and intreatted, First, the
grounds and points of the true discipline, confirming the same by
cleere warrants of Scripture ; Therafter, refuted the contrarie cor-
ruptiouns, namelie, of the humane and devilish bishoprick ; Thridlie,
was discoursed the manor of planting and sattling, with most pro-
fitable, comelie, and confortable possessioun of the right and true
discipline within the Kirk of Scotland untill these two or three
yeeres last bypast. Fourthlie, it was deduced and declared through-
out the whole ages of the kirk, since the planting thereof by the
apostles, how that the presuming and swelling of the cheefe cor-
rupt members, by avarice and ambitioun, had vitiated and wracked
the estate of the kirk from tyme to tyme, bringing in sects, schismes,
hereseis, and all kinde of corruptiouns, both in doctrine and manors.
And, Last, comming in particular to our owne Kirk of Scotland,
he tiu'ned to the bishop, sitting at his elbow, and directing his
speeche to him personallie, he recompted him shortlie his life, ac-
tiouns, and proceedings against the kirk, talking the assemblie
there to witnesse, and his OAvne conscience, before God, if he was
not an evident prooffe and exemple of that doctrine ; whom, being
a minister of the kirk, the Dragon had so stinged with the poy-
soun and venome of avarice and ambitioim, that, swelling exorbi-
tantlie out of measure, he threatned the wracke and destructioun
of the whole bodie, in cace he were not tymouslie and with courage
cutt off. This particularlie confirmed and cleered exhortatioun
was directed to the assemblie conveenned there, to play the chi-
rurgian for preserving of the bodie, namelie, seing all meanes of
amendiment had bcene long since used upon that most corrupt
member and monstrouous. And this was done with suche power
4*JG caldeuwood's histouie 158(i.
of the Spirit, and force of utterance, as it pleased God to furnishe
for the worke he had in hand.
When he had ended, the bishop bcganne with certane frivolous
and forged questiouns and challenges against him, adding thei'eunto
threatnings that he sould be made to answere before his Majestie
for his doctrine offensive against the king, and acts of his Ilicnesse'
parliament ; but so dashed and strickin with terrour and trembling
that he could skalrse sitt, Ictt be to stand on his feete. But the
assemblle, keeping their order, choosed a moderator, Mr Kobert
Wilkie, Professor of St Leonard's Colledge. Mr James Melvill
humblie required, that in respect Mr Patrik Adamsonc publictlie,
in their presence, had alledged that in his exhortatioun he had
uttered slanderous and offensive doctrine, speciallie against the
king's Majestie and his lawes, that they would take tricll of his
doctrine, and if he were not found guiltie, that they would bearc
testimonie to the truthe ; for it was to be feared that Mr Patrik,
according to his accustomed maner, would not ceasse, by all meanes,
calumniouslie to traduce the same before the king and counsell.
Mr Andrew Muncreif, minister at Largo, and Mr Adam Mitchell,
minister at Cowper, were ordeanned to wairne Mr Patrik to com-
peere before them to justifie his alledgances; with certificatioun,
if he compeered not, after triell of his doctrine, they would give
testimonie accordinglie. They report his answere, to witt, that
the assemblie was no judge to him, but he to them, and that they
were factiouslie convcenned. The truthe is, he was dashed in con-
science, and terrified Avith the number of gentlemen convcenned,
that, notwithstanding of his owne citie, and his maister's favour, he
seemed to feare everie man he saw. Mr Patrik refusing to com-
peere, the assemblie (Mr James being removed) called to remem-
brance the heeds of his doctrine ; and, finding it sound, consented
to beare true and faithfull testimonie to the same, and ordeanned
an act to be made therupon, to be produced before the king and
counsell, if neid required.
Mr Patrik was summouned also to answere to sindrie complaints
158G. or THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 497
of certane brethrein. Mr James Martine, Proveist of the Old
CoUedge, Mr Adam Mitchell, mmlster at Cowper, and Mr Andrew
Muncreif, were sent to him again, to charge him to compeere, under
the paine of contumacie and excommunicatioun. He refuseth, as
of before, and siclyke, the thrid time. Therefore, upon the 13th
day of Aprile, afternoone, the provinciallassemblie eonveenned, after
incalling of the name of God, weyghing and considering the whole
answers of the said Mr Patrik, finds, pronounces, and declairs the
said Mr Patrik to be contumax, and disobedient to the voice of the
kirk ; and in respect therof, and of his disdainfuU contempt of this
assemblie eonveenned in the name of Christ, not obeying the same,
but rather claiming supremacle and judgement over all the bre-
threin ; and also, considering the notorietie of the accusatiouns
layed to his charge, namelie, the usurping of the functioun of the
ministrie, being lawfullie therefra suspended by the Generall As-
semblie holdin at Edinburgh in October 1583, together with his
manifest impugning and overthrowing, so farre as in him lay, of
the good order and policie of the Kirk of God, contrarie to the
Word of God, and his hand-writts, finds him worthie to be holdia
of all true Christians as an ethnick and publican ; and, therefore,
decerns him to be excommunicated instantlie. ^otthelesse, to de-
clare all lenitie, and, if it were possible, to bring him to the obedi-
ence of the kirk, the assemblie appointeth, ex abundanti, the Laird
of Balfour, Johne Ure, minister at Leuchars, Mr James Melvill,
minister at Arbrothe, Mr James Balfour, minister at Edvle, to
passe again to the said Mr Patrik, earnestlie to travell with him,
according to the effect of the former admonitiouns, and to intimat,
before the pronouncing the proceedings of the assemblie, that he
was judged worthie of excommunicatioun, and decerned to be ex-
communicated instantlie, in cace he continued still disobedient.
Which persons returning backe, reported this his answere to the
assemblie, as followeth : — That if the assemblie would give in to
him the grounds of his accusatioun in writt, or ellis send one or
two of the brethrein to confer with him, ather he sould satisfie
them by the Word of God, or ellis humblie submitt himself to the
VOL. IV. 2 I
498 calderwood's historte 1586.
asserablie presentlie conveenned. The which answere, although
the assemblie thought altogether insufficient, yitt, that none heer-
after soukl accuse them of suddantie or rashnesse in pronouncing
the said sentence of excomniunicatioun, ordeanned that Mr James
Martine, Proveist of the Old Colledge, Mv James Melvill forsaid,
and Mr Allane Lawmonthe, minister at Kennowy, passe again to
the said Mr Patrik, commanding him, as of before, according to
the tenor of the former admonitioun ; and to conferre with him in
certane of the heeds wherof he was to be accused, before the pro-
nouncing: of the said sentence of excommunicatioun : of the which
heeds the tenor followeth : — 1. Open transgressioun of the ordi-
nance of the Generall Assemblie, whereby he was justlie suspended
from all functioun of the ministrie. 2. His travell sensyne by all
meanes to overthrow the whole order of the governement of the
kirk of this countrie. 3. His proud contempt and disturbance of
this assemblie. Last, His uttering, in face of the assemblie, slan-
dei'ous untruthes against the brethrein, and opin avowing of anti-
christian Poprie and blasphemous heresie.
The brethrein above named reported his answere upon Thursday,
the 14th of Aprile, to witt, that he would compeere in person.
When he compeered, the generall heeds of his accusatioun were
layed to his charge, wherunto he answered as followeth : — " I pro-
test that in answering certan articles proponned to me, that I ac-
knowledge not thereby the lawfulnesse of this assemblie, as other-
wise conveened, than is agreed betuixt his Majestic and the mi-
nisters of the kirk ; as, likewise, wherein a laick man is moderator ;
where, likewise, the votes of gentlemen (to whom the calling of the
ministrie perteans not) is sought. And to the First heid I an-
swere, that nather was I lawfuUie summouned, as I ought to have
beene by Act of Parliament, upon fyfteene dayes premonitioun,
and upon a libelled precept conteaning the causes ; and at that pre-
sent, reipuhliccB causa, his Majestic reteanned me with directioun his
Hienesse gave me to England at that time. 2. The Moderator of
the Generall Assemblie receaved my excuse, directed by the king
himself, which was suppressed; which I now offer me to prove.
1586. OF THE KIRK OY SCOTLAND. 499
And, giving and not granting that I had beene summouned, yitt
that discharge was nather intimated to me as it ought to have beene
in so weigh tie a mater, nather was it pronounced by an ecclesias-
tical! persoun, but by a maister of a schoole, having no ordinarie
functioun within the kirk. As to tlie Secund heed, it is generall,
and the thing that I have done was openlie in parliament, wherof I
have the testimonie of a good conscience, and desire an interlocu-
toriall whether anie will challenge me in my vote that is heere pre-
sent. Answere to the Thrid heed, it is generall ; and the Fourth
likewise, it is generall ; and the particulars glvin in writt sail re-
ceave particular answere. And as tuiching antichristian Poprie, I
have beene a publict enemie to it from my youth, (thankes be to
God;) and if anie can otherwise verifie, am content publictlie to
recant."
After the which answeres, the said Mr Patrik desired the Mais-
ter of Lindsay, as who had uttered in speeches some malice con-
ceaved against him, and IVIrs Andrew and James Melvill, his ene-
meis, to be removed. The Assemblie ordeans them to purge them-
selves of all partiall counsell against the said Mr Patrik, before
God, and in face of the Assemblie, which they did before the bre-
threin ; and therefore the Assemblie finds it not necessar that they
be removed, but hath ordeanned that some speciall heids of the
generall grounds of the foresaid accusatioun be propouned to him,
wherof the tenor followeth : —
" As to the First heed, the Assemblie finds themselves not judges
competent to the retreatting of the Act of the Generall Assemblie,
and cannot but judge the same to be justlie pronounced; and as to
the intimatioun therof, finds it lawfull in all points, becaus it was
made by a minister of the Word, in pulpit, at his parish kirk.
" In the Secund heed general], there are certane particulars.
1. His impugning of Generall Assembleis and presbytereis, in his
publict preachings ; 2. That he fathered on the Scriptures the su-
periorltie of pastors above pastors ; 3. In taking on him authoritie
in his person, contrare the Word of God ; 4. In confounding the
distinctioun of jurisdictioun spirituall and civill. In the Thrid
500 calderwood's historie 1586.
heid, his proud behaviour in the Asseniblie, and his trouble made by
his officer to discharge the same. In the Last, his unjust accusatioun
of Mr James Melvill in face of the Assemblie; and that his saying,
to be judge over the Assemblie, and the Assemblie not over him, est
vox PapcB ; and to mainteane that the office of a doctor is no ecclesi-
astical! functioun is heresie. And siclyke his saying, that the
office of a bishop, as he has it in his persoun, in all heeds hath the
ground of the Word of God, is blasphemie ; and that the same hath
continued in puritie from the dayes of the apostles unto this time,
is allowance of papistrie." To which the said Mr Patrik answered
as followeth : In the Secund heed, to the first point, impugning of
Generall Assembleis and presbytereis, answered, he taught nothing
but that which is conteaned in the Word, agreeable to his Majes-
tie's lawes, and the agreement betuixt the king and kirk. To the
Secund point, that he had fathered on the Scriptures superioritie of
pastors above pastors, answered, " Ye have mothered on the Scrip-
tures equallitie of pastors, which is Anabaptistrie ;" and is content
likewise, before the Generall Assemblie, to reasoun it. To the
Thrid point, that he had taiken upon him authoritie in his persoun,
contrare to the Word of God, answered, " I offer me to prove,
that the office of a bishop, as it is in my persoun, in all points is
according to God's Word, and agreed upon by his Majestie's con-
ference ; and I entered therinto by a lawfull calling." And to the
Fourth, concerning the confounding of the jurisdictiouns spiritual!
and civill, denyeth the same. To the Thrid heed, of his proud be-
haviour in the Assemblie, and his trouble made by his officer with-
out anie kinde of letters, answered, He knoweth no contempt done
in his persoun ; and denyeth the direction of an officer, and troub-
ling the Assemblie ; and sayeth, it apperteaneth not to the Assem-
blie to meddle with that matter. As to the last heed. First, con-
cerning the unjust accusatioun of Mr James Melvill in face of the
Assemblie, answered, that " Mr J, Melvill impugned the estat of
bishops, and the godlesse lawes made at that time, wherof he al-
ledged me to be the author." To the Secund point, that it is
Vox Papa to be judge over the Assemblie, and the Assemblie not
1586. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 501
over him, answered, That a bishop in a diode is president, as is
concluded in the last conference, and is that T^sffrug wherof Paul
speeketh to Timothie, 6i -roiGTung 'r^sa^vTi^ot ; and affirmeth, that he
is judge to the Synodall, and subject to the Generall ; and denieth
this to be Poprie. To the Thrid, that a doctor hath no eccle-
siastlcall functioun, answered, That it is true ; and that they were
but maisters of schooles, and laick men. To the last, that the
office of a bishop, as he has it in his person, in all heids hath the
ground of the Word of God, and in puritie hath continued from
the dayes of the apostles unto this time, answered, That as for the
ecclesiasticall jurisdiction, it is true ; and as for the temporall, doted
by princes, it is nothing contrare the Word of God. After the
which answeres, the said Mr Patrik desired to heare the interlo-
cutoriall of the assemblie, concerning the removing of the Maister
of Lindsay, Mrs Andrew and James Melvill ; which being declared
to him, as is above expressed, the said Mr Patrik made his appel-
latloun in maner following : — " I appeale from the interlocutoriall
pronounced, concerning the passing furth of the Maister of Lind-
say, Mrs Andrew and James Melvllls, which two last have uttered
by their speeches, and by other practises, the inimitie of their
mindes conceaved against me. And In respect they are not re-
moved, but reteaned heere in judgement, I appeale from this
wrongous interlocutoriall, and from all things done, or to be done,
in this present pretended presbyterie to my prejudice, to the Ge-
nerall Assemblie of the kirk, proclamed by his Majestic to the 12th
of May nixt, or to anie other lawfull Assemblie Generall, when it
sail happin to be conveenned ; and protests for Apostolos, and all
other things of forme of law requisite for me." The which day,
the assemblie weighing partlcularlle everle one of the said Mr Pa-
trlk's ansvr'cres, finds nather satisfaction nor submissloun, according
to his promise, but rather greater contumacle, to contempt of the
assemblie, and obstinat avowing of untruths, and errors against the
Word of God, In op in face therof.
The which day after noone, the provincial! assemblie conveenned in
St Leonard's schooles, after incalling, &c., " Anent the whole processe
502 CALDEinVOOD'S UISTORIK lo8().
deduced against Mr P. Adamsone, having considered it, and tryed
the same, with mature deliberatioun and conference, has found there-
by, that the said Mr Patrik has no wise amended liis contumacie
and disobedience to the voice of the Kirk of God, and the said as-
sembhe conveenned in the name of our Lord Jesus ; but rather
continuing therin, contemptuouslie travelleth to usurpe, and utter
his tyrannical ambitioun and supremacie over the Kirk of God, his
brethrein, and this present assemblie, with sindrie slanderous un-
truthes, als weill against the Word as some of the brethrein ; and
being desired, by diverse admonitiouns givin to him by certane of
the brethrein, in name of the assemblie, to heere the voice of the
kirk, he not onlie contemptuouslie and disdainfullie refuseth the
censures and judgement therof, to be tryed by the assemblie, but
claming supremacie and judgement above them, heapeth up con-
tempt above contempt against the ordinance of Jesus Christ, add-
ing thereto the notorietie of the accusatioun before the Generall
Assemblie ; wherin he was thought worthie, for weightie and great
causes and crimes, to be suspended indeid from all functioun of the
ministrie, as an act made by the Generall Assemblie in October
1583, produced and read in this synodall assemblie, at miore lenth
proports ; contrarie to the tenor whereof, he hath not onlie usurped
the forsaid holie functioun, against the ordinance of the kirk, and to
the heavie slander of the ministrie, but also, taking a displeycd ban-
ner against the whole good order and governement of the kirk,
being practised within this realme, with most fruictfull effect fol-
lowing therof, since the first reformatioun of religioun within the
same, and speciallie, his notorious impugning the sattled order of
Generall Assembleis and Presbytereis, which are grounded upon
the same Word : Therefore, and for diverse other notorious slanders
wherof he was to be accused, and refused to underly anie lawfull
triell, the asBcmblie, in the feare of God, and in the name of Christ
Jesus, moved by zealc to the glorie of God, and purging of His
kirk, ordeans the said sentence of excoramunicatioun instantlie to
be putt in executioun, in face of the assemblie ; and by the mouth
of Mr Andrew Hunter, minister at Carnbie, at command and ap-
1580. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 503
pointment of the assemblie, declairs him to be one of these whom
Christ commandeth to be holdin by all and everie one of the faith-
full as an ethnick or publican : And ordeanneth this sentence of
excommunicatioun to be intimated in all kirks, that none pretend
ignorance heerof " Extracted furth of the bookes of the provin-
ciall assemblie of Fife, and subscribed by the moderator and scribe
therof.
The bishop, upholdin awhile by the authoritie of man, repynned
proudlie against the sentence. But he felt the weight of it the
sorer therafter.
The bishop penned a forme of excommunicatioun a day or two
after, and in a bishoplike maner sent out a boy, with one or two
of his jacke men, to read the same in the kirk, wherin he excom-
municated INIrs Andrew and James Melvills, and some other breth-
rein. But the people regarded no more his excommunicatioun than
if he had fyled the kirk. He being excommunicated, directed a
messinger with a complaint to the king, and an appellatioun to the
king, the estats, and privie counsell. Notwithstanding of the old
suspensioun, and this new censure of excommunicatioun, he will
still preache. Being readie to goe to pulpit, he was informed, that
some gentlemen and citicens were conveenned in the New Col-
ledge, of purpose to take him out of the pulpit, and hang him. He
called for his jacke men and freinds, and fearing to abide in the
kirk, he tooke him to the steeple. Skairse could he be drawin furth
by the baillifFes, accompanied with all his favourers and freinds,
readie to convey him to his owne castell. At lenth, halfe drawin,
halfe caried, and borne away, he so stinked, that these who were
neerest could skairse abide him. An haire brake furth in the
High Street, ranne before them toward the castell, and doun
through the north gate. The people called it the Bishop's Witche.
The bishop's feare proceeded of a false alarme ; for some gentle-
men, and other good people in the toun, conveenned in the New
CoUedge, to heare Mr Andrew Melvill teache, becaus they made
conscience to heare one both suspended from his ministrie and ex-
communicated.
504 caloek\vood"s iustokie 158G.
MR P. ADAMSON's appellation, TOGETHER WITH MR JAMES MEL-
vill's ANSAVERE.
*' Appellation from the unjust and pretended Sentence of Excommu-
nication pronounced against Patrik Bishop of Sanct Andrewes,
to the King^s Majestic' s Counsell, Estats, and lawfull Assemhlie.
" If all men understood, and perfytelle followed that sentence of
David, where he sayes, that ' Judgement is God's,' they would
nather intrude themselves in the place of judgement without law-
full calling, nather, being lawfullie called, would doe anie wrong,
contrare to God's ordinance, who has appointed them. But be-
caus not a few number usurp the place of judgement at their owne
hand, and others, at their owne appetite, pervert equitie, therefore,
the law als weill of nature as the law of God, and positive of men,
has provided remedie, to appeale to a lawfull and superiour judge-
ment ; which are the two causes that presentlie move me (most
mightie, most excellent, and most Christian prince) to appeale to
your Majestic, and Honours of your Majestie's counsell, estats of
parliament, or assembleis lawfullie conveenned by your Majestic,
against the pretended processe of excommunicatioun, pronounced
by certane few ministers and gentlemen, in their pretended maner,
of a pretended synod holdin in Sanct Andrewes, in Sanct Leonard's
schooles, the 14th of Aprile, 1586 yeere."
*' An Answere to the qualification of a most unjust and pretended
Appdlatioun of Mr P. Adamsone, called Bishop of Sonet An-
drewes, from the righteous Sentence of Excommunication pro-
nounced against the said Mr P. Adamsone, by the lawfull and
ordinar Synod of the Province of Fife, assembled at Sanct An-
drewes, the 12th of Aprile, anno 1586 ; by J. M.
" if the appealer understood that judgement was God's, as he
cites the words of David, then sould he also have understood and
158(3. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 505
approved two necessar consequences ensuing therupon ; 1. That
judgement to be lawfull, the which God himself has appointed and
instituted ; as namelie, the lawful! assembleis of lawfullie called pas-
tors, doctors, and elders, to which he has givin gifts requisite, and
appointed his officers and servants, for ruling and governement of
his kirk, and to whom he has givin the keyes of the kingdome of
heaven, the power of binding and loosing, with that spirituall two-
edged sword in their hands ; and, 2. He sould have knowne and
confessed that they, orderlie conveenned in Christ's name, their
Lord and King, him to be in the midds of them, according to his
promise, in suche sort, that whatsoever they agree upon in earth,
according to his Word, (the which conteanes the lawes of governe-
ment of his spirituall kingdom,) to be ratified in the heaven. Of
the which two things, seing the lawfull synod conveenned in the
name and authoritie of the Lord Jesus Christ, with the king's Ma-
jestie's allowance, and under his humble obedience, in St Andre wes,
the 12th of Aprile, anno 1586, is assured in conscience before God,
and is able to verifie them to be true of her self before the whole
world, the appealer had no just cans to disclame her judgement,
and compleane of injurie done to him therinto, unlesse he would
have plainlie declaired and shewed himself not to be the servant of
God, member of his kirk, nor subject or citicen of the kingdom of
Christ Jesus, governed by his lawfull office-bearers and lawes."
Appealer.
" I am not ignorant, that suche as seditiouslie would trouble the
estat of the kirk and countrie will reply, that thir maters are ec-
clesiasticall, and belong nothing to your Majestie's authoritie ; the
contrare wherof is most certane by the Scriptures, and primitive
antiquitie, before the usurped jurisdictioun of the Pope of Rome,
and troding of the neckes of princes under his feete. St Paul be-
ing judged before Festus, the President, of the resurrectioun, and
desired to be tryed therof by the ordinarie preests at Jerusalem, he
appealed Caesar, an ethnick prince and a tyranne. And our Mais-
ter and Saviour Jesus Girist commandeth us to give that unto
506 caldeewood's histokie 1586.
Ca3sar which is Caesar's. And seing the Apostle appeales Crosar,
it followes, that appellatioun apperteans to princes, as proper unto
them, to be girth and refuge against tyrannic ather spirituall or
temporall. The which is manifest by manie appellatiouns of the
bishops of Africk, to the Roman emperours for the time, and of Atha-
nasius Magnus, from the Councell of Tyrus to the Emperour Con-
stantine. Nather were there other appellatiouns but to princes,
a long time after the emperours receaved the Christian faith. But
it came to passe that the emperour, being occupyed in great
efFaires of the commoun weale, they did often tymes depute the
Bishop of Rome, for cognitioun of the cans of appellatiouns ; and
therafter, the force of the Roman impyre decaying, and the Bishop
of Rome increassing, that power and jurisdictioun remained onlie
to them, albeit it apperteaned properlie to princes. AVhat further
prerogative in the kirk belongeth to them, speciallie, they profess-
ing the truthe, it Avould require a more ample discourse. But pre-
sentlie, it serves sufficientlie to verifie, that appellatiouns sould be
directed, and lawfuUie may we appeale, at this present, your Ma-
jestic."
Answere.
" There is none that knowes the fashiouns and conditiouns of
the appealer, and his present estat, but easilie may perceave this
to be a wicked calumnie, cast in in a maner of occupatioun, to
make the ministrie and speciall learned and good men amongst
them odious to his Majestic and Christian princes ; the Avhich he
would faine flatter, and hunt favour of, for his present turne. For
the which, I answere in this sort, that if he be not ignorant, that
suche as would seditlouslie trouble the estat of the kirk and com-
moun weale will reply, that thir maters are ecclesiasticall, and be-
long nothing to the king's Majestic, we may easilie judge him of
his owne mouth, as a lowne servant ; that as he has seditiouslie,
this long time, troubled the estat of the kirk and countrie, so he
knows Weill his marrowes and companiouns, and what they have
to reply in this maner, as he writeth. Concerning which seditious
1586. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 507
troubling of the kirk and commoun weale, we would wis^h no bet-
ter decisioun betuixt him and the mlnistrie, or suche iu speciall as
he would designe in his speeche, than that both the one and the
other sould be putt to an assise of the best, most honest, and god-
lie of everie estat of the land ; and which of the two sould be fyled
of the said heynous cryme, to have the chappell of the Burrow
Mure to play the feild bishop (p^w^sT/frxocrs/i/) into.
" But if he will say, that this is the opinioun of the ministers of
that assemblie, then, trueHe, he is ather ignorant of their judgement
and doctrine of that mater, or ellis a malicious calumniator of that
which he knowes. For it was never the judgement, doctrine, or
replyes of anie of the ministrie of Scotland, that maters ecclesiasti-
cal! perteanned nothing to the king or Christian magistrat; but
contrariwise, that first, and above all things, the Christian magistrat
ought to have care of religioun, and maters perteanning to the kirk,
and employ his authoritie and power to the wealefare and good
estat therof ; and that he is the minister and lieutenant of God,
who has receaved the sword, cheefelie, to that effect. Nather doe
we denie, that it is leasome to anie that are hurt and injured by
the kirk and govcrnours therof, to have recourse to the Christian
magistrat for helpe and releefe ; that he may call for the rules of
the ku'k, and examine and see whether if, according to the rules of
their office conteaned in the Word of God, they have judged aright,
and done their duetie, or otherwise. Onlie this we denie, that the
civill magistrat may use the office of the pastor, in preaching the
Word, or ministring of the Sacraments ; or of the doctors, in talk-
ing upon him to interpret the Scriptures, and give the true and
plaine meaning of the same, in judgement of maters of controver-
sie, as having that ordinarie calling, gifts meete for the same, and
promise of God's blessing made therunto. And that his civill and
externall governement, concerning the bodie and goods of men, is
not different fi'om the spirituall and internall governement of the
elders of the kirk, concerning the soules and consciences ; not-
withstanding they, as two loving and most inteere sisters, goe al-
wayes together, for their mutuall confort and pleasure ; yea, even
508 calderwood's histokie 1586.
as the twinnes of Hippocrates, that so were joynned in a nature
and sympathie, that when one of them leuglie or mourned, the
other was incontinent moved to the same affectioun also. So that
our judgement and doctrine in this mater is plain and evident.
" Nather have we refused at anie time, nor presentlie refuse, to be
dealt withall according thereto ; that in cace anie find themselves
injured or wronged by the office-bearers of the kirk in discharging
their callings, ather severallie in the points of their offices, sever-
allie to be discharged by themselves alone, or conjunctlie, being to-
gether in their lawfuU assembleis and meetings by equall and com-
raoun power governing the kirk. Incace they can find no remedie
at the superior power and greater assembleis, they may leasomlie
corapleane to the magistrat Christian, who, of duetie and office,
may and ought to convocat to him the pastors, doctors, and elders
of the kirk, and sight the lawes and points of their offices and due-
teis sett doun in the Word of God; and according thereto, caus
them to judge and try the caus of the persons, compleanners, or
compleaned upon, and caus by his authoritie putt in executioun
that which, conforme to the Word of God, they sail conclude and
determine upon. And on this wise did the good kings of Israel
and Judah, and the best and most godlie Christian emperors, pro-
ceed in suche causes, as is evident in the Scripture and ecclesiasti-
call historic.
" The impertinent arguments and superfluous witnesses produced
in this caus are als true in themselves, and meit for the purpose, as
was the alledgance. For Christ commands in so doing, as I have
spokin ; we give to Caesar that which is Caesar's in this point, as in
all others ; and so (God be praised) are farre from the naturall, and
doings of the appealer, the which we ever by the Word of God im-
pugned in his usurping of temporall lordships, civill and crirainall
judgements, supremacie in parliaments and counsells of the realme,
whereby he, puffed up inPoplie pride, is accustomed to sett at nought
the inferiour magistrats and noblemen of the countrie, naming them his
vassalls and servants. But I pray you, ather with what conscience
if he knew better, or bold ignorance if he understood not, alledg-
158G. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 509
eth he the example of Paul in appealing to Caesar ; and therof con-
cluds verie logicallie, but rov x,ad sxasrov %ai xadoXov, ex singulari ex-
emplo universalem thesin^ And with the like, or a little fynner
logick, he concluds in the end of his preface, Paul appealed from
Festus to Caesar, therefore so may I from the synod to the king's
Majestie. ' And seing,' sayes he, ' that the apostle appcales to
Caesar, it folio wes, that appellatiouns perteane to princes as proper
to them ;' first, alledging that Paul was accused of the doctrine of
the resurrectioun, when, as read all the accusatiouns givin in by
the Jewes, and Tertullus the oratour, against him, yee sail find al-
most no suche thing, but the whole almost to stand in thir three
heids, — that he had offended against the law of the Jewes, against
the temple, and against Ca;sar. Indeid, before the Sanedrion, by a
godlie and wise policie to bring the Phariseis and Sadduceis in dis-
sensioun, he himself drawes his accusatioun to the point of Christian
doctrine anent the resurrectioun of the deid ; like as, in verie deid,
it was not onlie for that head of Christian religioun that they hated
him, but for the preaching of the whole doctrine of Christ Jesus
and his Evangell, namelie, to the Gentiles ; and also, partlie to
pretermitt no occasioun of uttering of that message which he had
receaved, and partlie to astonishe the heathnick judge, he brings
his doctrine and apologie to that point before Festus. Bvit it is
manifest that the Phariseis would never have accused him of that
which they professed themselves, as that dissensioun betuixt them
and the Sadduceis in their Sanedrion plainlie witnesses. And,
finallie, to overthrow this ignorance, how ridiculous and foolish a
thing is it to say or meane that Paul the apostle appealed to Nero,
then being C^sar, there to be judged by him of the resurrectioun
of the deid, and heids of Christian religioun, who was a most mali-
cious and cruell persecutor therof; and that bloodie lyoun, out of
whose clawes and teith he glorifieth God who had delivered him !
(2 Tim. iv. 17, 18.) The purpose of Paul, then, behoved to be
ather to appeale to Caesar as soveran judge in maters criminall
layed to his charge, for that they accused him as an author of tu-
mult and seditioun, and a contemner of Cfesar; or ellis, that, per-
510 calderwood's historie 1586.
ceaving the judge, Festus, partiallie to be inclynned to the appe-
tite of his accusers, and suche a iimn as might be corrupted by
money, he used a fashioun of appellatioun, not of anie purpose to
be judged by Caesar, whom he would not have scene if he might
liave done otherwise, as in so doing he would eschew the present
danger, and committ the event to God, as he thought good to dis-
pose upon him ; for this appellatioun of Paul's being rightlie con-
sidered, can never be esteemed properlie an appellatioun, but onlie
a meane to preserve his life for the present, in so farre as, accord-
ing to the law, ' Appelatio est a sententia interlocutoria, vel dejini-
tiva ; of the which, neither proceeded against Paul, but, by the
contrare, Festus, the judge, pronounced him innocent, (Acts xxv.
6, 26, 27 ;) and likewise Agrippa the king, after he had heard
him make his apologie, (Acts xxvi. 31, 32.)
" Now, as to the manifold appellatiouns of the bishops of Africk
to the Roman emperours, becaus he names none in particular, I
thinke he means the Donatists' provocatiouns to Constantine, the
good emperour ; for I see none so meit for his purpose. For it is
true, indeid, that they feareing the judgement of the lawfull sy-
nods, becaus of their arrogant and prydefuU errour, appealed oft
times from the same unto the emperour,' But it is als true, that
Constantine the emperour would not accept of the appellations of
the Donatists, but remitted them again to the bishops, ordinarie
judges therof. And at the last, for eshewing of trouble, being
forced by the importunitie of the adversareis of the truthe, he
gave no new sentence, but approved and fortified the old. Angus-
tin. Epist. 1 62, contra Donatlstarum pertinacium de innocentia Ccb-
ciliani. ' Rogatus imperator, judices misit episcopos^ qui cum 3Iil-
tiade sederent, et de tota ilia causa quod justum videretur statuerent.^
Et ibidem : ' Neqiie enim ausus est Christianus imj)crator sic eorum
' Donatus, pretended Bishop of Carthage, appealed from Macarius, Proconsul of
Africk. hem, Sua MiUiades, Bishop of Rome, and his fellowes. Item, From the
Bishop Arelatensis and his companions, to Constantine the emperour, in a question
mere ecclesiastick, to witt, whether if CiKcilianus was worthie to be a bishop,
who, in time of persecution, gave the Bible to be burnt. — Marginal note in the MS.
1586. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 511
querelas accijjere, ut de judicio episcoporum qui Romce sederent, ipse
judicaret, sed alios episcopos dedit^ c^c. And in the Councell of Nice,
Constantine the emperour would not judge upon the preests ; but
affirmeth, that in that place, to witt, in the counsell, they sould
judge him. Lyke as Ambrose also. Lib. v. Epist. 32, affirmes bi-
shops onlie to be meit judges in maters of the faith, policie, and life
of bishops. As for the exemple of Athanaslus, in his appealing from
the Councell of Tyrus unto the Emperour Constantine, the ap-
pealer being altogether unlike good Athanasius in uprightnesse,
truthe, good life and maners, and so, done like in manie things to
Eusebius of Nicomedia, Theognes, Maris, Patrophilus, and the rest
of the wicked bishops assembled at Tyrus ; especiallie in forging out
false accusations and malicious calumneis against upright and good
men, and dinging the same in the eares of the prince,* the exemple
can make nothing for him, but greatlie against him ; and that so
muche the more, as we are in good hope, that the king sail endea-
youre himself to doe according to that which good Constantine ut-
ters, and promises in his letter writtin to that Councell of Tyrus, in
these words, as they are translated out of Greeke in English, by
Meredith Hanmer, out of Socrates Scholasticus : ' See (sayes the
emperour) that you come unto us with speid, perswading your self
of this, that our minde, als muche as in us lyeth, is, first of all, to
mainteane soundlie, without corruption, all that is conteaned in
Holie Scripture, so that no blemish of slander or infuraie may re-
dound therunto ; abandoning, wearing away, and rooting out all
tiie rottin adversareis of Christian religion, who, under colour of
Christian profession, have creeped in, and sowed in the Kirk of
God sindrie blasphemeis, sects, and hereticall schismes.' And yitt,
in the said historic, as it is writtin by Socrates, there is no men-
tioun made of anie appellatioun ; but that Athanasius, seing and
perceaving all that were conveened in that councell to be Arrians,
withdraw^es himself from that councell secreitlie, and goes to Con-
stantinople to the emperour, to show him of the wrongous proceed-
in o-g ao;ainst him.
' Sulpitius Biturigensls, Episcopus, in Hist. Eccles Marginal note in the MS.
512 calderwood's historie 1586.
" And, last, he affirmesgenerallle and boldlie,that there was no ap-
pellations but to princes, a long time after the emperours receaved
the Christian faith. To the which bold assertioun, I oppone that
which Socrates, Lib. ii. 40, writtes of one CyriUus, Bishop of Je-
rusalem, a man not unlike this appealer in fashiouns. The words of
Socrates, as Musculus translates them, are these : ' CyriUus Hiero-
solymitanus episcopus depositus est in concilio Seleuciano, propterea
quod, sapenumero vocatus duos continuos annos, accusationes Veritas
non comparuisset. Vocatus autem, depositorihus misso libcllo appella-
tionis, ad majus judicium appellavit. Hoc CyriUus, solus et primuSy
prceter ecclesiasticce canonis consuetudinem, appeUationibus perinde ac
in puhUco judicio usus fecit.'' Wherof it is evident, that before that
Councell of Seleucia, which was in the Emperour Constantin's
dayes, there was no appellatioun from the kirk. And so it is plain
against your alledgance, that the Pops of Rome tooke not the ap-
pellatiouns from the emperor, but from the synods and councels of
the kirk. And in verie deed, the best Christian emperours, and
namelie, good Constantine, tooke never unto their judgements the
appellations of the kirk ; but professing plainlie, that they sould
instruct them in all things perteaning to God and the kirk. Onlie
by their authoritie, they convocated the bishops and governours of
the kirk, to cognosce upon appellatiouns, and all other things be-
longing to the kirk, as is evident in the cans of Athanasius, and
processe of the Uonatists against CiKcilian. And so, to conclude
the preface : Giving unto you and not granting, asyee meane, that
appellatiouns might leasomelic and justlie, in things mere ecclesi-
astick, be simplie deferred to the king's Majestic, and that becaus
we are als weill content to be heard before his Ilienesse in this caus
as yee are, yitt followes it nothing, that yee had anie just caus to
declyne the judgement of the lawlull synod, and appeale therefra to
the prince, compleaning of anie wrong or injurie ; muche lesse, so
boldlie and wickedlie to forge out so manie falshoods and un-
truthes, and so impudeutlie to give them up in writt to the king's
Majestic and counsell, as heerafter follow."
1586. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 513
Appealer-.
" I alledge, and offer me to prove, in the two heids foresaid, that
in the unlawfullnesse of their pretended conveening, and in their
wrongous proceeding, they have done most unjustlie against God,
your Majestie, and to me, the compleancr. 1. The pretended con-
ventioun is expresse against your Majestie's Acts of Parliament :
2. In the raaner of their conveening, nather convocated by your
Majestie's letters, nather by the bishop of the diocie. By the
which two arguments, Augustine the doctor impugnes the processe
of Cecilianus, as wrongouslie deduced against hira, speciallie seing
your Majestie, at your Hienesse' last conference, had taikin another
order : 3. Becaus, in the said pretended assemblie, Mr Robert Wil-
kie was chosin their pretended moderator, who is a laick man, a
regent in a colledge allanerlie, who has no impositioun of hands,
nather can be anie lawfull president over the ministrie ; for St Paul
to Timothie maketh him who is o-^sffrw; in the kirk to be a pres-
byter, and not a laick man : 4. The principall and first votes in the
said pretended assemblie were of some barons and gentlemen, mais-
ters of schooles and coUedges, who have no functioun or office in
the ecclesiasticall estate, and to whom apperteane no suffrages in
lawfull assembleis ; wherin your Majestie please be remembred, that
albeit they denie your Hienesse' authoritie in the kirk, notwith-
standing they authorize the same, in suche gentle men as it pleases
them to conveene for the tyme, for suche purpose as they have in
hand : 5. In the said pretended synod, verie few ministers were
present ; and if they had beene there, a sufficient number, they were
not lawfull judges to the bishop, but he to them; for the Apostle
Paul appointed Timothie, who was bishop, to be judge over the
ministers, sed non contra. By thir reasouns, the unlawfulnesse of
this assemblie is proved."
" After his preface, the appealer propons two heids, and alledges,
and offers him to prove, that the assemblie was unlawfull ; and that
VOL, IV. 2 K
514 caldekwood's historie 1586.
in it great wrong was done against God, tlie king's Majestic, and
him, the compleaner : for answere to the which allcdgance, we
blesse God his tongue is no slaunder ; nather will anie godlie or
honest man like a Avhite tlie worse of us, or the better of him, for
all that he can reale or alledge against our doings. But to prove
his alledgance, he brings furth five reasouns, to all which if I sould
answere in a word, that they were lees and untruthes, I sould easi-
lie satisfie all suche as ather know, or truelie have tryed the mater.
Yitt, for their caus who have not yitt knoAvne our proceedings, I
will orderlie answere.
" ' First,' sayes he, ' It was conveenned against your Majestie's
Acts of Parliament expresslie.' An untruthe ; for the first Act of
Parliament made by his Majestic, in the first ycere of his Majestie's
raigne, with advice of his good regent, of most happie memorie,
James Erie of Murrey, and ratified sensyne in everie one of the
parliaments holdin by his Hienesse, grants full power and libertie
to the kirk to preache the Word, minister the sacraments, and
exerce discipline according to the Word of God ; the which can no
wase be done, Avithout the lawfull synods and assembleis of the
kirk ; lyke as the Kirk of Scotland has beene in continuall posses-
sioun sensyne of conveening themselves, both in generall and par-
ticular assembleis, untill the two last yeeres bypast of the appeal-
er's archiepiscopall tyrannic and confusioun. But if he will reply,
that he meanes of the Acts of Parliament made in May, anno 1584,
something, with the good license and favour of his Majestic, must
we utter, concerning that mater, and answere, that not onlie we,
but the whole ministers of the Kirk of Scotland, take the said Acts
of Parliament to be dispensed upon by his Majestic, and laycd
loose, to be reasoned upon and reformed according to the Word
of God. For ellis, hoAv sould the brethrein assembled at Linlitli-
quo, at the parliament holdin there in December, anno 1585 yeeres,
have givin in animadversiouns upon these Acts of Parliament, at
his Majestie's owne command, plainlic shoAving to his Majestic, that
so manic of these acts as concerned the kirk could not stand with
the Word of God, and, therefore, humblie craved that they might
1586. OF THE KIKK OF SCOTLAND. 515
be abrogated and annulled, and new acts according to God's Word
putt in their place ? How sould his Majestic have givin furth under
his owne hand-writt, his interpretatioun and declaratioun upon the
acts, farre diverse from the bishop's declaratioun imprinted, wherin
some of these acts are annulled, some greatlie altered, and some
declaired to be farre otherwise taikin, than commounlie they were
taikin of before ; as in speciall, the act concerning excommunica-
tioun ? How was there a reasoning and conference then promised,
and therafter sett doun upon all these things concerning the kirk
maters, if the acts sould stand now in full vertue and force of
lawes ? How have the brethrein of the ministrie throug-hout all the
parts of this countrie assembled in their weekelie conventiouns, and
to this last Provinciall Assemblie ? How have publict fasts in sin-
drie places beene indicted and solemnelic keeped ? How has his Ma-
jestic givin licence, and accorded in a plain article of conference,
that the Provinciall Synods sail hold twise in the yeere, according
to which our last synod was keeped in St Andrewes ; and not ex-
presslie, as you falselie alledge, against his Majestie's will and
lawes ? And, finallie, in what estate sail kirk, king, and commoun
weale stand into, if these acts of that parliament sail stand in full
force and effect, and judgement, with exccutioun, passe therupon ?
We would, therefore, in this cace, most humblie besecke his Ma-
jestic, and his honour's counsell, to marke the pernicious minde of
this man. He finds himself almost fallin to the earth, and to have
resting on one onlie weake prop Avheron he leanes ; that is, one of
these acts of parliament for his archiepiscopall estat in speciall, the
which, both in it self beareth, and his Majestic in his interpretatioun
plainlie has declaired to be but temporall to the nixt parliament ;
and so it is long since expired. And yit, that that cracked and
rent stoup of his may appeare to stand, he ceases not, so farre as in
him lyes, to overthrow and make fall again in horrible confusioun,
the whole estat of the kirk and commoun weale. If so pestilent a
member deserve not rather to be cutt off from the societie of the
kirk and commoun weale, then in either of them mainteaned and
nourished, lett the world judge.
51 G caldeuwood's iiistouie 158G.
" Now, to the secund reasoun, I answcre, that our assemblie was
convocated according to the Word of God, exemple of the primitive
kirk in the first, scxt, andfyfteen of the acts, and confornic to our ac-
customed and wounted order kecpcd from the beginning of the re-
formation of rehgioun in Scotland, the which we behoved to use, be-
caus it had the Avarrants that I have spokin of. And there was no
new forme prescribed, (for where yee say that his Majestic had
tuikin another order in the late conference, ather yee have suppo-
sitious and false copeis therof, Avhich come never to the knowledge
of the kirk, or then, yee speeke Avith like conscience and truthe in
that as in other things ;) nather could we follow anie other maner
or forme nor was used in all the rest of the countrie in their sy-
nods, the Avhich sought nather anie farther of his Majestic, nor his
licence and good will decluircd at the conference ; nather Avould in
anie maner of Avise acknowledge the authoritic of bishops, Avhich
long since, by the Word of God, they had damned in the generall
councells of this realme. And as to that yee alledge of Augustine,
since I knoAV your conscience to be, to cast out anie thing that yee
conceate to make for your purpose, and father the same upon some
ancient doctors, I would yee sould have quotted some place of Au-
gustin ; for I can find no suche thing in these places, where cheefe-
lie he treats of the processe of Cecilianus against the Donatists.'
Therefore, nather granting nor denying your alledgance, I say yee
have not tuiched the cheefe argument of Augustine against the as-
sembleis of the Donatists, that their synods were not convocated
' " This alledgance furth of Augustine is to be suspected ; for nather could I find
it in anio of the seven bookes against the Donatists, nor in the 162 Epist., which is
all on that mater; nor in 3 Lib. cap. 13, contra Crescon. gramm. ubi quod pro
Optato, Donatista, pro Caeciliano, et requius etiam responderi posse docet. Ncc
eodem lib. cap. 61, ubi Caecilianum a Donatistis sa>pius accusatum, semper a judicio
absolutum, etiam a Constantino Magno imper. Nee Lib. iv. cap, 7,'objiciebat Cresc. ;
Caecilianum damnatum a 70 episcopis. Respondet Augustin ; et Primianum cpisco-
pum, a 70 episcopis damnatum esse, quem tamen ipsi absolvisscnt. Sed Caecilianum
et absentem, ab illis 70 damnatum, et a Constant, a quo auditus fuit coram absolu-
tum. Nee itemque dc unico baptisrao contra Pocilianum, ubi docet eos fuisso tradituros
qui Caecil. damnaverunt, si, e.\ pcrsonarum comparatione causa hasc staret." Mar-
ginal note in the original.
158G, OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 517
in the name and authoritie of Christ, nor governed by his Word ;
with the which, if yec darre deale against our assemblie, ye sail be
heard and answered.
" That distinctioun of yours betuixt the clergie and laicks, in
your thrid reasoun, smelles of the pride of Papistrie, and arrogan-
cie of these shavelings of the antichrist, who esteems themselves to
be the holie inheritance of the Lord allanerlie, and the people to be,
in respect of them, profane and unholie. But no mervell it is, sup-
pose yee who have that tyrannous archiepiscopall estat commoun
with the Papists, use both their words and reasouns for maintean-
ing of the same. Yee now will say, your meaning is, that Mr Ro-
bert Wilkie was no office-bearer nor governour in the kirk, and,
tlierefore, could not be a lawfull moderator. I answere, your ante-
cedent is plaine false ; for it is notoriouslie knowne, that Mr R.
Wilkie was appointed by the act of reformatioun of the colledges
to teache Theologie, and expone the Scriptures. As Origine, in
Alcxandrina ecclesia, being but Ludimagister, and yitt approved by
the best bishops of Palestina before whom he taught in Divinity, as
Eusebius in his vi. booke, cap. 20, witnesses, and at Icnth setts doun,
alledging sindrie exemples for that purpose. And so, where yee
first terme Mr Robert a laick, and nixt call him a regent in a col-
ledge, the secund convicts the first of an untruthe, and by repug-
nance overthrowes it. More, it is als notorious that the same Mr
Robert has beene projjheta upon the exercise this sixteene yeere,
and at the first erection of the presbyterie in Sanct Andrewes, by
commoun vote of the brethrein to have beene elected and ordeaned
an elder of the samine, and sensyne, has continued labouring in the
Word and doctrine, especiallie the yeere last bypast, in the toun of
St Andrewes, to the great confort of the people, when the hyreling
bishop, their pretended pastor, had shamefuUie left them in great
miserie and desolatioun ; and, therefore, is rather worthie of double
honour, according to the canon of the Apostle which yee cite, than
of that undeserved and lightlifull reproache which yee would impute
to him. As for your wicked minde, in perverting that place of the
Apostle for your ambitious superioritie amongst ministers, against
518 calderwood's iiistorie 1586.
the exposltioun of the ancients, and article agreed upon in confer-
ence betuixt the kirk and the king's Majestic; the Lord forgive you
it : I say no more.
" The fourth argument is als full of untruthes as sentences.
First, it is not true that the votes of gentlemen were ather required
or noted, and namelie, in your mater and cans. Secundlie, it is
als untrue, that the votes of them whom yee call schoolemaisters
were first craved. Thridlic, where yee alledge, that the gentlemen
and schoolemasters (for so llghtlifullie yee terme the Professors of
Theologie) have no office in the Kirk of God, it is most false of
all. For as to these gentlemen, they were and are ordinar elders
in their owne congregatiouus and sessiouns, of that sort which la-
bour not in the Word, but attend over the maners of the people,
and assist the pastors in the discipline, according to the Word of
God, (Rom. xii. ; 1 Tim. v. ; 1 Cor. xii. ; Ephes. iv.,) and custome
of the kirk in this land, since the beginning of religioun ; the which
also were directed in commissioun from the particular parishes to
the said synod ; and as in all parts of this realme (ever from the
first reformatloun) were admitted as fellow governours of the kirk,
to reasoun, vote, and conclude in all maters perteaning to the
kirk's jurlsdictioun. And as to these whom yee call schoolemais-
ters, they are by their office elders, and members of the presby-
terie, to whose most lawfull and neccssar functioun in the kirk it
apperteans to interpret and opin up the Scriptures, according to
the true meaning therof, and to resolve upon all questions and
doubtfull maters by the same, lyke as in the Generall Assembleia
and councells of the Kirk of Scotland has oft and diverse times
beene rcasouncd, and by the Scriptures approved and concluded.
As for that poysonable remembrance thou gives to his Majestic,
savouring of the deidlie dregs of thy pernicious venome, which, alas !
thou hast beene suffered so often to propyne unto his tender age, to
brinf him in detestatioun and hatred of God's ministers, proved by
manic experiences to have beene his Ilienesse' most loving and
loyall subjects, and that malicious wicked minde wherefra it pro-
ceeds, the Lord rebookc that crooked, false, flattering old serpent,
158G. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 519
and that deceiving and false lelng spirit of him that raignes and
rages so in thee ! And the Lord, the righteous God, in mercie mot
opin the eyes and move the heart of his Majestie, and honorable
counsell, to see and consider how craftie and pernicious an enemie
and tratour thou has beene, and yitt is, to his Grace, in bodie and
soule, that they may deale Avith thee as thou justlie in that cace
deserves ; for thy conscience knowes, (if there be suche a thing as a
grain of good conscience left into thee,) that we never denied the
Christian magistrat bearing lawfull authoritie as the lieutenant of
God in the commoun weale, to be a speciall and cheefe member
of the kirk, and keeper and avenger of both the tables of the
law of God. Onlle this we deny, that there is anie King or
Head of the kirk save Christ Jesus allanerlie ; nather yitt did we
ever by our doctrine permitt to anie man, gentleman, or noble what-
soever, to beare impyre and command in the kirk and kingdom
of Christ, but onlie as his officers and servants, to rule and governe
the same according to the lawes therof conteanned in the Word,
and that by commoun advice, in the equall societie of the fellow-
elders and governours ; more nor the which did not good Constan-
tine the Great take unto him, in that most notable councell holdin
at Nice, as Melancthon markes in his Chronicle, Lib. iii., whose
words for a cleere witnesse I have thought good lieere to insert :
* Assedit Consf.cmtinns inter episcopos, sede non altiore ; et initio, hor-
tatus est ad placidam coUationem, et ad inquisitionem veritatis, omissa,
sophistica, et deposita animorum acerhitate. Primam sententiam dixit
Eiistathius, Antiochenus episcopus. Post longa certamina, scriptum
est Symbolum Nicenum, quod plurimi, sua subscriptione comprobarunt,
et subscripsit ipse Constantinus ; qui ait, se adfuisse, ceu unum ex ipsis.
Ac valde, inquit, lector, mefuisse vestrum comministrum, donee omnium
conveniens inquisitio facta est, et veritate in lucem prolata concordia
constituta est J
" Your fyft and last reasoun is, the raritie of the ministers that
were present at the said synod ; the which, the greatnesse of the
number of ministers there assembled, (I speeke.in the respect of
the fewnesse of the whole that are in this countrie,) as they are
520 calderwood's historie 1586.
registred in the booke and processe of your excommunicatioun,
together with the testimonic of all that were present, will convict
this of als great untruthe as the rest ; for I wote there were in
that assemblie twenty-eight elders, labouring in the Word and
doctrine, by the gentlemen, elders of the congrcgatiouns, and com-
missioners of touns. This for the truthc of his alledgance : how-
beit, Christ respected not the number in this cace, when he sayes,
' Whensoever two or three of you are conveened together in my
name, there I am in the mldds of you, to ratifie in the heaven
whatsoever yee determine in the earth, according to my word.'
" And, last, as to that presumptuous and arrogant usurping of power
and judgement of a pastor above his fellow brethrein, direct con-
trarie to the Word of God, (which he has ever preassed unto most
ambitiouslie,) and that manifest leing upon the apostle for confinn-
ing of the same, I am amazed to thinke of it ; and can not other-
wise judge of him, than as Ambrose writtes, in his dayes, of suche
as were excommunicated, that foule and uncleane spirits entered
into them incontinent, and troubled them, that it might be mani-
fest them to be givin over to Satan. For where, I pray you, ap-
points the Apostle Paul so ? Or will you be so wicked, as to make
him repugnant to Christ, Avho gave this ordinance to his disciples,
whiles they strove for state among themselves ? ' The kings of the
natiouns beare dominion over them, and are called gratious lords ;
but it sail not be so amongst you : but whosoever would be highest
sail be servant to the rest,' Luke xxii. Or to the Apostle Peter,
seing they spake both by the self-same Spirit, who will not have
the elders bearing domlnioun over the inheritance of the Lord, but
to shew good exemple to these whom he exhorts, calls himself t^eo"-
Cvli^iiv, that is, a fellow elder? (1 Peter v.) Or to him owne self,
who never usurped authoritie on TImothie, but as a father, who had
instructed him in the Gospell ; for, otherwise, in the governement
of the kirk, he esteems him lyke as he does Sylvanus, Aristarchus,
Epaphrodltus, and others his fellow-labourers and companions, not-
withstanding he was an apostle, and TImothie but an evangelist,
and not a bishop, as yee falselle allcdge, with your apocryphe sub-
1586. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 521
scrlptioun ? Or, finallle, (to lett be that difference which yee make
betuixt a minister and bishop, which yee are not able to shew in
the Word of God,) how sail Diotrephes for suche ambitioun be
damned, and Timothie appointed to clame unto it ? I thinke, then,
that notwithstanding all the fore alledged reasouns and untruthes,
we may easilie and rightlie bring in a contrarie conclusiomi to that
of the appealer ; to witt, that the right lawfulnesse and authoritie
of om' synod, convocated in the name of Jesus Christ, by the spe-
ciall favour and appointment of our most Christian prince, consist-
ing of lawfullie called pastors, doctors, and elders, and governed by
the Word of God, the onlie lawes of Christ's kingdome, to remaine
firme, whole, and irreprehensible ; so that the appealer does nothing
ellis but kick against the pricks, and in vaine byttes the fetters
wherewith he is faster bound than he can be able to escape."
Appcale?'.
" Now follow the wrongs therin committed : — 1. That they pre-
sumed to judge upon Mr James Melvil's impugning of your Ma-
jestie's lawes, and absolved him ; to be a preparative heerafter, as
Mr Andrew Melvill protested, that if treasoun were spokin in the
preaching, the synod sould be judge, and not the king : which is a
manifest iniquitie, and directlie against your Majestic's crowne."
A?iswere.
" Hitherto have we answered for the lawfulnesse of our synod :
' now follow (sayes he) the wrongs therin committed ;' the which
he setts doun two in number ; one against his Majestic and lawes,
another against himself The wrongs done to his Majestic and
lawes, he forges them suche to be done, ather by some particular
persons, as INIr James Melvill, by impugning his Majestie's lawes,
and Mr Andrew Melvill protesting, that the assemblie sould be
judge of treasoun, and not the king ; or then, by the whole assem-
blie, in talking upon them to judge and absolve treasoun. Merci-
ful God ! — I sec no better answere for us, than with the words of
David, when he was traduced and leed upon before Saul the king,
to burst out in reverence of his Majestic and counsell, before the
522 CALDER wood's historie 1586.
God of truthe, and just avenger of all lees and falshood ; before the
Lord Jesus Christ, the veritie itself, and before the whole world,
saying, ' Why boasts thou thy self in thy wlckednesse, O man of
sinne ? the loving-kindnesse of God indurcth daylie. Thy tongue
imagineth mischeef, and is like a sharpe raser, that cutteth deceat-
fuUie : thou does love evill more than good, and lees more than to
speeke the truthe : thou loves all words that may destroy, O thou
deceatfull tongue. So sail God destroy thee for ever ; he sail take
thee, and plucke thee out of thy tabernacle, and root thee out of
the land of the living. Selah. The righteous sail see it, and be
glade.' For the truthe is, that Mr James Melvill spake never a
word of his Majestic's lawes ; Mr Andrew IMelvill made no suche
protestatioun ; the assemblie was not cariod away with suche a mad
and foolish spirit, as to take upon it aide civill or criminall judica-
tour : but thy wicked doings, O malicious calumniator, and lewde
life being layed opin in thy owne face, the filthinesse of thy shame
discovered, and thy festered galles and sores rubbed and pricked
with the peircing and byttiiig oyle of the Word of God, thou
kicked and flang with all thy force against the leitche, and could
not wyle a better stroke, than to alledge that the rebooker and
shower thee of thy vice had spokin against the king and his law :
most like, in that cace, as other things, to Amaziali, the preest of
Bethell, who could not be better avenged upon Amos, the Lord's
propheit, for reproving of his ambitioun, avarice, and abusing of
the people, than by sending to the King Jeroboam, saying, ' Amos
has conspired against thee in the midds of the hous of Israel : the
land is not able to beare all his words,' (Amos vii.) The assem-
l)lie hearing so odious an accusatiouu, altogether false and forged,
layed out there openlie against the speeker and his doctrine, de-
sired the accuser to qualifie his alledgance against the doctrine ;
that becaus the sound therof was skairslie past out of the cares of
the hearers, to lett be the remembrance of the effect tlierof out of
their hearts, the brethrein there conveeniied might censure the
same, and beare faithfuU testimonie before his Majestic, if the said
inyous delator and malicious tradncer had spokin true or not. The
1586. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 52S.
which, when the accuser had refused to doe, the assemblle could
doe no lesse, being required by the speaker, than give a true and
faithfull testimonie of that doctrine which was so freshe in their
eares and mindes. And as for Mr Andrew Melvill, he made no
protestatioun at that time ; but the heid orderlie comming in, what
was to be advised upon against the Generall Assemblle, Mr An-
drew brought in remembrance that questioun, which was propouned
and treated of in the last conference, viz. to whom the judgement
of doctrine, true or false, apperteaneth, in prima instantia ; and
desired tliat the brethrein sould advise dlllgentlle therupon, for
it was of great importance, and belonged verie muche to the libertie
of Christ's king-dome. And this muche for the wrongs alledged
done to his Majestic and lawes."
Appealer.
" Their pretended proceeding was unlawfull. 1. I not being
summouned, nor no cans lawfullie alledged ; which order must be
keeped in the smallest triffle of geir ; and by act of parliament it is
provided, summouns against beneficed men to be libelled uponfyfteen
dayes wairning, tliat their lawfull defences may be discussed.
"2. If they will alledge for non-compeerance, no processe of ex-
communication could ensue therupon : for in all judgement which
Is within the land, non-compeerance induces no condemnatour, but
the judges proceed, as if the partle called had beene present, and
lead probatioun therupon ; which order is used in your Hienesse'
supreme judgement of parliament, where no forfaultrie can follow,
sine corjnitione causes. Epiphanlus, Bishop of Cyprus, and sindrie
other bishops of Thracia, Asia, and other places, conveenned at
Constantinople, at command of the emperour, and Johne Chrysos-
tome. Bishop of Constantinople for the tyme, being called before
them to compeere, did not obey, albeit summoned sindrie dayes :
and the foresaids bishops being evill affected toward Chrysostome,
notwithstanding, for his non-compeerance, could not excommunicat,
(for at that time the clergle had not usurped the power of excom-
munlcatioun ;) but they deposed him allanerlie. Which thing,
524 caldervvood's historie 158G.
notwithstanding, "was tliought verie strange, to depose anie for non-
compeei'ance, and not to proceed to the probatioun of the cans.
Which decreit of depositioun, John Chrysostome had not obeyed,
if the emperour had not interpouned his forces ; notwithstanding
that thir were bishops of eqiiall authoritie with Chrysostome, con-
veenned by tlie emperour ; and not inferiour ministers, as in this
cans. And giving, and not granting, that for non-compeerance they
might excommunicat, (as they may not lawfuUie,) notwithstanding,
that was purged by compearance, under protestatioun alwise, that
I acknowledged not their judgement.
" 3. Their proceedings are wrongous, in so farre as they accusing
me for defence of your Majestie's authoritie in the kirk, conteaned
in your ISIajcstie's secund act of parliament made in May, anno
1583, and of the estate of bishops, Avhich falselie they termed
Poprie. And finding them disposed to excommunicat, I appealed
to your Majestic, counsell, estats, and a lawfull assemblie, and
sought of them Ajwstolos,; and, notwithstanding, they proceeded,
contrarie to all law, equitie, and justice.
" 4. The said pi'ctended processe is unlawfull, becaus the said sen-
tence, in so weightie a mater, was onlie ordeanned by two moe
votes of two ignorant ministers, who skairslie can declyne their
grammar rules, and their pretended moderator reclamed therunto ;
and one Andrew Hunter, servant to Mr Andrew Melvill, when they
had left the schooles, and were in the closse, cryed, he was moved
by the Spirit of God to excommunicat me ; which anabaptistlcall
and phantasticall conceate is to be repressed by the severitie of
your Ilienesse' lawes.
" 5. This pretended excommunicatloun is against the order made
by themselves and their owne assemblcis, which suffers no man to
be rashlie excommunicated, but upon Aveightie and grave causes,
diverse Sundayes prayers prcceiding in the kirk.
" Last, The said pretended sentence is most wrongouslie givin by
the saids ministers, as no wise having power to excommunicat in
their Synods : for learned men are of that opinioun, that where
Christian princes are, no excommunicatioun sould have place, for
'^586. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 525
manie weightie causes and grave reasons, wherof this countrie, at
this present, has experience.
" But giving, that cxcommunicatioun sould be, it belongs not to
ministers when they are separated from their congregations, and
assembled among themselves : for how can the ministers presump-
tuouslie expell from the Avhole bodic of the Kirk of God, without
the consent of the kirk ? For they pronouncing the sentence, and
the kirk, prince, and noblemen disassenting, lyke as in this present
cans, what can ensue but schisme and seditioun ? And the Apostle
Paul did not presume himself to excommunicat, but writteth to the
kn-k of Corinth with his spirit so to doe, they being convcenned all
together. By the which it is evident, that ministers in their con-
gregatiouns by advice of their people, finding anie man to walke
inordinatlie, and not corrigible, onlie to have that power; the which,
in Christian commounwealths, without the advice of the magi-
strats, who are the fathers of the people, and have power over them
for eviting of seditioun, sould not be used. Like as Augustine vcrie
truelie writtes, that the same sould not be used, if anie seditioun or
trouble may ensue theron. Which pretended cxcommunicatioun
being otherwise used against me, can not be lawfuU ; nather have
the ministers in their assembleis or synods, were they never so law-
full, power to excommunicat, except by the preposterous imitatioun
of the Pop's law, and not by the law of God."
A7iswere.
"Now, as to the wrong done to himself, the First argument
whereby he proves it is, that he was not summouned, nor no law-
full cans alledged against him. The which, the processe, and
honest, grave, and godlie pastors, moe nor two sent thrise for that
effect, will verifie sufficientlie that to be an untruthe. And as for
that act of parliament, it is tuiching maters of geare inforo civili.
I read of no acts of parliament prescribing a forme of proceeding
to the kirk in their judgement ecclesiastick.
" In the Secund argument, he discourses upon non-compeerance,
alledging that to have becne the caus onlie of his excommunication ;
526 oaldeuwood's historie 1586.
which is als true as all the rest. It was not for not compeering :
it was for opin rebellioun, contempt, and disobedience against the
voice of the Kirk, uttered openlle and dcspcctuouslle in the face
therof, tlie punishment whcrof Christ the Righteous Judge pro-
nounces to be lioldcn as an ethnick and pubhcan ; together with
manie other horrible crimes, as cleerlie knowne as the sunne
throughout all Scotland and other parts, Avherof there needed no
cognitioun, unlesse men would be so mad as to enquire, an meridie
luccrct ? To prove that non-compeerance can be no cans of excom-
municatioun, he brings furth cxemples, the judgements of the
countrie, the supreme court of parliament, and the Councell of
Constantinople, where Chrysostome was deposed. Answere to all,
In re non dubia, tcstihus non necessariis. But in this last exemple
taikin out of 'antiquitie, would to God they who take opinioun of
this man's learning, and namelie of his great knoAvledge of antiquitie,
becaus that, by his smooth tongue and sleiked lippes, he can slyde
out a peice of Scripture, and frame it to his purpose ; rype out some
moulled lumpe of humane letters, and dresse up a fact of antiquitie,
without anie soliditie or truthe ather in substance or circumstance, to
embellish his sermons, and interlarde his distinctiouns with all; —
would to God, I say, they would enter in to examine his citatioun
of Scriptures, doctors, and antiquitie, and till they had tryed the
truthe, not to beleeve his saying more in maters perteaning to God
and the kirk, nor they doe in things civill perteaning to the com-
moun life ; for then, sould they easilie espie bothe how lurd igno-
rance lurked under that lap of learning which he leads about with
him, and also with what truthe, fidelitie, soliditie, diligence, and
conscience, he weyghes and consideres the passages of Scripture,
doctors, and antiquitie, which he so often cites and alledges. And
that they may be perswaded their labour in so doing sail not be
lost, lett them beginne to examine with me the exemple of the
Councell of Constantinople, heere alledged and givin in writt to
his Majestic and lords of his counsell ; and so, of one they sail
learne the rest, and know the lyon by his clawes. ' Epiphanius,'
(sayes he,) ' Bishop of Cyprus, &c.' Becaus the man cites manie
i
1586. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 527
circumstances, and delytes in his narratiouns in suche things, lett it
not be tedious to us to marke all weill, and we sail find, that he has
never read the historic weill, but framed it be gesse, at his phan-
tasie, thinking that his Majestic would never have taikin his appel-
latioun furth of his poutche, to marke it himself, or caus others
peruse it.
" First, he sayes, that Epiphanius, Bishop of Cyprus, was con-
veenned in the Councell of Constantinople with other bishops,
which is a manifest untruthe ; for nather is there anie mentioun
made of him there, among the rest of the bishops that conveenned.
And it is certane of the historic, that before the Councell of Cal-
cedon, w^hich first deposed Chrysostome, Epiphanius, after alterc.a-
tioun with Johnc Chrysostome in Constantinople, embarking to
goe to Cyprus, he said to Johne Chrysostome, departing, that he
hoped he sould never dec a bishop ; and Chrysostome answered,
' I hope that thou sail never returne alive to thy owne countric'
After the which words, the historician Socrates, Lib. vi., cap. 14, in
the end subjoynes, ' Whether they that told me these things re-
port true or not, I cannot say ; but sm*e I am, it befell to eitiier
even as they hoped. For nather returned Epiphanius to Cyprus
alive, but died on the seas, by the gate ; nather died Johne a bishop,
for he was deposed and banished the kirk, as heerafter sail more ma-
nifestlie appeare ;' — to ^^'itt, in the narratives which he makes of the
two Councells of Calcedon and Constantinople, in both the which
Johne Chrysostome was deposed, and before both the which Epi-
phanius was deid.
" Secundlie, he sayes, that Johne Chrysostome, at the Councell of
Constantinople, being called before them to compeere, did not
obey, albeit summouned sindrie dayes ; als great an untruthe, onlie
devised for his owne purpose ; for Johne there being cited, com-
peered incontinent, but farther required the bishops, that his accu-
satiours might be indiiFerentlie examined; and through the up-
rightnesse and equitie of his caus boldned himself, and reasouned
his owne caus throughlie before them, in speciall with Leontius,
Bishop of Philippi, in Thracia ; the which reasoning is expreslie sett
528 caldehwood's histoeie 1586.
doun by Socrates, Lib. vi., cap. 18. Truthe it is, that in the Coun-
ccll of Calccdon, whether resorted in great number suche as, for
diverse querclls, owed Johne a displeasure, and suche as he had
deposed for just crymcs, and putt out of their bishopricks ; when
these adversareis went about to forge manie false accusatiouns
against him, when as Theophilus, Bishop of Alexandria, who had
convocated the synod, stirred up by the licentious empresse against
him, a verie wicked, conscienceless, subtile, and craftie man, of
mere malice and spite, had devised manie things in his contrare ;
when he saw the Empresse Eudoxa altogether to be sett in raging
fire against him, and manie of the clcrgie and sindrie also of the
magistrats, which were in great favour with the emperour, bccaus
he had rebooked their vices sharpelie in pulpit, supposing now they
had gottin fitt opportunitie to revenge themselves of Johne, he ex-
cepted justlic against suche as had cited him, as his opin cncmeis,
and appealed to a generall councell. And yitt, notwithstanding, this
exemple sail never make anie thing for you, except yee prove your
cace to be like that of good Johne Chrysostome, and you to have
had so manie just exccptiouns against the synod and ministers con-
veened therin ; which yee can never be able to doe.
" Thridlie, he sayes, that these bishops conveened at Constanti-
nople could not excommunicat Chrysostome ; ' for why ? (sayes
he,) at that time the clergie had not usurped the power of excom-
municatioun.' They could not excommunicat him, it is true, bc-
caus he deserved it not ; nather was their purpose or intentioun so
to doe ; as the historic before declairs. But I pray you, (bishop,)
how is this fallin from you, that the cleargie had not yitt usurped
the power of excommunicatioun : for to whom, thinke yee, that the
power of excommunicatioun perteans, if it perteane not to the
clergie ? And if it justlie perteans to them, why reproache yee
them by the tcrme of usurpatioun ? However it be, this absurd un-
truthe may be wcill reckoned with the lave ; for yee can not be
ignorant, (if yee have read anie thing in the historic of the kirk,)
that the bishops and others, long before this, excommunicated sin-
drie, as Novatus, Montanus, and others, as sail be hcerafter re-
158(3. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 529
iiearsed in the owne place ; but speciallie one exemple serves weill
for this purpose. In the Synod at Seleucia, Asterius, Eusebius,
Abgarus, BasiHcus, Phikis, Philedras, Eutychius, Magnus, and
Eustathius, nyne bishops were altogether exeommunicated, that
stood to the errour and faction of Acacius, Bishop ofGa3sarea, an
Arrian ; and that, becaus being oft cited, they compeered not, to
cleere them of accusatiouns and crimes givin in against them, as
yee may read in Socrates Scholasticus, Lib. ii. cap. 40. The which
is a true and more notable exemple nor yours of Chrysostome, and
directlie against your alledgance, that for non-compeerance to purge
them of haynous crimes, excommunicatioun has proceeded : for the
historic specks plainlie that the good bishops of that synod de-
creitted that the forenamed bishops sould remaine in that state of
excommunicatioun, until they had answered for themselves, com-
peering before that synod or some other, and cleered them of the
crimes layed to their charge. And to conclude this point, how has
he heere forgottin that most notorious and notable fact of Ambrose,
•Bishop of Millan, in excommunicating Theodosius, the emperour,
Klone not long before this time?^ But what needs there in so cleere
• a mater suche witnesses? Surelie, to lett it be knowne, how farre
this great Antiquarius oversees himself, and bewrayes his grosse
ignorance, even then when he would affect greatest learning in an-
tiquitie.
" Fourthlie, in that he sayes, it was thought verie strange to de-
pose anie for non-compeerance, there is no suche thing in that his-
toric, as I can find in my author ; nather could it be thought
strange, which so oftin times had beene practised of before, as in
•the Councell of Sardice, where the Arrian bishops were condemned,
becaus they absented themselves from comming toheare their caus
cognosced, and the accusers of Athanasius deposed, being absent."
And in the Councell of Seleucia, when they had cited Acatius with
his factioun, and they not compeering, the councell deposed Acatius
' Stilliconem Theodosii Cancellarium. Ambros. excommunicationi illudcntem,
Diabolo occupandum corporaliter ei affligtndum Deus tradidit Mai'ginal note in the
original. ^ gocrat. Lib. i. cap. 21.
VOL. IV. .2 L
530 caldekwood's historie 1586.
himself, together with Georgius, Bishop of Alexandria, Ursatius,
Bishop of Tyrus, with half a dossoun moe in companic with them ;
and all becaus they being cited compeered not to answerc to the
things that were to be laycd to their charge before the councell.'
I might bring fm^th sindrie other practises in the like sort of good
councells, to lett sleep a number of suche wicked and erroneous
councells as condemned Johne Chrysostome.
" Fyftlie, whereas he sayes that Johne would not have obeyed the
decreit of the councell, if the emperour had not interponned his
forces, never a word true ; for the emperour needed not to call
anie forces of his legiouns to compell him to that effect, who was
so farre from disobeying the decreit, (albeit unjust,) that when
the emperour had called him again from exile, and desired him to
returne to his ownc office at Constantinople, yitt would he not
trode within the citie, albeit his owne people urged him earnestlie,
belore he were proved, and found innocent by the censure of the
higher judges ; but continued a while in the suburbs called Marianae,^
— farre unlike to our bishop, the appealer, in this as in all other
things, who, without feare of God or man, being not onlie justlie
deposed, but also excommunicated, durst be so bold as to present
himself to the pulpit, to prophane that chaire of veritle, and abuse
the people of God ; and contemne that sentence, against the which
the more he obstinatlie repyne, the more sail it be ratified and
sealed up in the heavens, to his just condemnatioun.
" Sixtlie, where he sayes, ' howbeit they were bishops of equall
authoritie with Chrysostome, conveened by the emperour, and not
inferiour ministers, as in this cans ;' first, there are in thir Avords
two untruthes. For Johne being Bishop of Constantinople, was
Patriarche, according to the canon of the Councell of Nice, in |
ranke and degree above archbishops and metropolitans, to lett be
bishops, (the which alledgance our appealer will not misse, when
he has adoe therewith ;) for by the said canon there were but
fom'e of these in the whole world. And so, by his owne rules,
' Socrat Lib. ii, cap. 40. ^ Socrat. Lib. iv. cap. 16.
158G. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 531
(howbeit contrarle to the Word of God,) the bishops could not be
of equall authoritic with Johne Chrysostome, Bishop of Constanti-
nople. The other uutruthe is, that they were convocated by the
emperour ; whereas the words of the historie are plaine, tliat the
Enipi'esse Eudoxa wrought with Theophiius, Bishop of Alexandria,
to summoun a conncell against Johne. But I wote this tends to
confirme that flatterie of Christian princes, Avhich he has sowin
abroad in his sermons, that councells and synods ought to be con-
vocated by Christian magistrats allanerlie ; lyke as he has oftin
alledged for proofFe thereof, that it has ever beene so before the
tyrannic of the Bishop of Rome : whereas we are able by the liis-
torie of the kirk to prove, tliat before that there was ever one con-
vocated by the emperours, there were moe nor twentie celebrated
by the godlie bishops, conveening themselves together at the com-
mand, and in the name and authoritic of Christ Jesus, to take order
with the effaires of His kirk; the which, except in time of persccu-
tioun, the emperours never found fault Avith, but commended, fur-
thered, and authorized, Avhen as need required. And therafter,
before the six hundreth yeere, when cheefelie the tyrannic of the
Roman bishops beganne to prevaile, we sail find moe nor twentie
and foure convocated by bishops. And nixt, there is in these words
a proud ambitioun against the ministers of Christ, and a lordlie
presuming superioritie over them, expreslie against the law of
equalitie sett doun by Clmst amongst his servants and ministers,
Matt. XX. and Luke xxii., the ^^'hich sail have a portloun with the
Scribes and Pharisees, with Diotrephcs, and that higli hierarcliie of
the statelle strumpet of Babylon, appointed for the laike of fire and
brimstone. In the end of this reasoun, he w^ould appeare to be
liberall, that he might gain a greater vantage against the proceeding
of the synod, saying, that putt cace they might have proceeded for
non-corapeerance, yitt that was purged by compeerance, under pro-
testatioun, that he would not acknowledge their judgement ; wheriu
he sail find us meit with als great liberalitie, and yitt no lasse to the
advantage of the right nor he sought to the wrong. For trutlic it
is, he compeercd before the assemblie, before he was challenged ot
532 calderwood's historie 1586.
suche crimes ; wherof his conscience convicting him, [he] durst
not therafter compeere, nor stand to his apologie, being canonice
citatus, for the same effect. But being present before the assem-
blie, and hearing most haynous crimes laved to liis charge, in place
of answering for himself, he uttered before manie that doubted of
his rebellioun to the kirk of before, greater stubburnenesse of obsti-
nacie and contempt of the kirk, and voice of the Lord Jesus, than
ever in anie time past had beene heard of his mouth ; the which,
by the judgement of all that were present, made him a great deale
more worthie of that sentence, than otherwise, by his non-compecr-
ance, he sould have beene.
" Now, as to the Thrid rcasoun, the thrid part of it is a manifest
and malicious untruthe ; for there Avas never a word or mumme in
that asserablie layed to your charge, concerning your opinioun of the
king's Mnjestie's authoritie or power in the kirk or commoun weale.
Indeid, tuiching that pretended bishoprick, as it is in your persoun,
Avherunto yec entered by horrible perjurie, and monstrouous man-
swearing of your self before the Generall Assemblie of the whole
Kirk of Scotland, as did Novatus in his time, tlie which estateof
bishoprick yee have of late mainteaned and sett fordward, contrare
to your manifold hand-writts and subscriptiouns, your ojnn plaine
■doctrine from pulpit, and reasoning and voting in publict assem-
bles, Avherin also yee have behaved your self, and presentlie doe,
most proudlie and mallciouslie, to the overthrow of the whole dis-
ci[)line of the kirk, and troding under your feete of the libertie of
Christ's kingdom, we did most justlie and necessarlie lay that to
your charge ; affirming your defence of the same, by abusing and
perverting of the holie Scriptures, gathering out of the dregs of
antiquitie, and corruptiouns, and blotts of the doctors, to be alto-
gether Papisticall, lyke as the estat it self is the cheefe piller of the
throne of that cursed Antichrist. And whcra^ yee alledge wrong
to be done, in that after your appellatioun, notwithstanding therof,
we proceeded, there was no wrong done in that case : for ye had
no just cans at all, as we have shewed, to appeale ; and the kirk
•finding themselves without controver;;ic, both to have the power of
1586. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAXD. 533
biiiding and loosing, and also to have great need to use the same
upon you, they nather could nor sould have stayed for your unjust
appellatioun, unlesse they -would have neglected their duetie, and
incurred the just wrath and rebooke of evill and unfaithfull servants.
Moreover, as I understand of the law, appellatiouns serve not to
stay the proceeding of the judge ; for then, no sentence sould be
pronounced before the mater come to a superior judge ; and so, no
thift, witchecraft, adulterie, drunkennesse, perjurie, briberle, fals-
hood, knaverie, and, breefelie, no injurie or vice sould be punished
by inferiour magistrats and judges in the countrie, or anie decreits
in maters of geir or land pronounced by them ; for ay the guiltie
persoun sould appeale to the higher judge, but onlie to be a meane
to the persoun that finds himself hurt in his actioun, to have his
processe brought and tryed before the superiour judge. The which
benefite of your appellatioun that yee may enjoy, we impede nothing.
In the Councell of Seleucia, Cyrillus, Bishop of Jerusalem, was
deposed, notwithstanding of his appellatioun to the higher judges;
and sindrie Arrian bishops were deposed in diverse councells, not-
withstanding their appellatiouns, being notoriouslie knowne to.be
false and vitious, as yee are : lyke as also that of Tyrus deposed
Athanasius, and the Councell of Calcedon, Chrysostome. For
albeit no man will say that they did weill in deposing suche good
men as Athanasius and Chrysostome were, yitt their forme of doing,
which is by none of the writters reproved, testifies the commoun
consuetude of the kirk in proceeding against suche as are supposed
to be worthie of the censures thei'of, notwithstanding appellatiouns
be made by them.
"The Fourth reasoun is als full of untruthes as the former; first, in
saying that the sentence was ordeanned by two moe votes onlie of
some ignorant ministers that could not declyne their grammar rules.
With pardoun of the discreit reader, it is a manifest lee, and over
disdainfull a reproache done to honest and qualified pastours, als able
to discharge their calling as your self, and more diligent and faith-
full in their functioun than ever yee was. It stood not onlie of
two, three, or foure votes, na, not in ten or twelve votes moe ; but
53-1 calderwood's iiistorie 158G.
the whole synod in one voice agreed that ycc were worthie to be ex-
communicated, and instantlie excommunicated. Indeid, some few,
within the number of half a dossoun, wherof the moderator was
one, thought it not expedient for the tyme, albeit that most lesume-
lie it might be done. And nixt, there is no faithfull or godlie heart
that can patientlie suffer to heare suche shamelesse lees, and horrible
blasphemeis against the Spirit of God, working in his owne ser-
vants, albeit zealouslie, yitt soberlie, modestlie, and honestlie, ac-
cording: to His manifested will, as he utters in mad follic in the rest
of this reasoun, wherin (with reverence yitt of the reader to speeke
truelie and plainlie) so manie words, so manie lees, and, in end, so
manie blasphemeis. Mr Andrew Hunter was never Mr Andrew
Melvill's servant, but a student of Theologie the space of two
yeeres ; and therafter, foure yeeres sensyne, tried and examined in
life and doctrine, lawfullie elected and ordeaned pastor of the con-
gregatioun of Carnbie, having the testimonie of learning, honestie,
faithfullnesse, and zeale, of his fellow ministers in Fife, and all the
godlie in Scotland that know him, and not in Scotland onlie, but
also of the most learned, wise, and grave in other countreis ; whom
God has notablie trained up to his owne worke, by great exercises,
travells, and dangers, both by land and sea, and has undoubtedlie
preserved him in the midds of desperat perrells, (as he most grave-
lie and godlie protested in the synod, before he entered to your ex-
communicatioun,) for that same worke, and other things perteaning
to his glorie, and the confort of his kirk. He sayes, it was after
they left the schooles, and in the closse, crying out with an ana-
baptisticall furor and phantasticall conceat ; to the which manifest
lees and open blasphemeis, in steid of answere, I apply the medecine
out of the Scripture of God, bcseeking Him, that it may worke the
owne effect. Revel, xxi. 8, ' The unbeleeving, abominable, and
murthcrers, and whoormongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all
leers, sail have their part in the lacke that burnes Avith fire and
brimstone.' Matt. xii. 31, ' Everie sinne and blasphemie salbe
forgivin unto men ; but the blasphemie against the Holie Ghost
sail not be forgivin.' This God, the righteous Judge, sail deale
158G. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 535
with the malicious impenitent. And if there were anie true love
or zeale to God's glorie in Christian magistrats, the severitie of
their lawes and sharpe edges of their swords sould strike upon
suche men.
" By the Fyft reasoun, he appeares never to have knowne the acts
of our assembleis, for he was never of the number rightlie assembled
in the name of Christ ; nather ever to have read the booke of excom-
municatioun sett out by the Generall Assemblie, and practised in
the Kirk of Scotland since the beginning almost of religioun, where
there is a distinctioun made of crimes, some publict, haynous, noto-
rious, and knowne to all ; others smaller and privat, which become
then onlie worthie of that last chastisement, when there is adjoyned
thereunto disobedience to the voice of the kirk. In order taikina:
Avith the publict haynous crimes, the processe is summar, without
anie admonitiouns, according to the command and practice of the
apostle rebooking severelie the Corlnths, becaus they had not, in-
continent, excommunicated the incestuous persoun, and commanding
them to doe it witliout anie delay ; and exemple of Ambrosius,
Bishop of Millan, who, how soone as he was certan of the fact of
Theodoslus the Emperour, he would not suffer him to come into the
kirk ; and albeit, presentlie, at his rebooke, he was stricken with
great repentance, yitt he excommunicated him, and caused him re-
maine so the space of eight moneths, notwithstanding his continuall
mourning and lamentatioun in the meane while. And this order
is rightlie and Aveill done, to purge the kirk incontinent of slaunder
and evill, of horrible crimes, and to bring the offender in more
weightie and deepe consideratioun of his crime, that he may the
more earnestlie be moved to repentance. And of this sort are
both the crimes and processe of this appealer. Wherinto, onlie
the great fault and negligence of the Kirk of Scotland these manie
yeeres has beene ; whereby God justlie was crabbed, the kirk over
gone and trode under foote, the ministers exiled, and sore thralled,
and troubled in their bodeis and consciences, the flockes left desti-
tute and confortlesse ; the whole godlie, not onlie in this land, but
also in the countreis about, greevouslie offended and slandered, tha
536 calderwood's historie 1586.
suclie a monster of all wickednesse wasspaired, and suffered to abide,
and beare office in the visible fellowship of the faithfull ; and, there-
fore, esteeme him to be the justlie deserved scourge therof, in the
wrathe of God, for so carelesse an oversight and neglect of his
glorie, and the weale of the spouse of his Sonne, the Lord Jesus.
" In the Last argument, he would prove the sentence to be un-
just, becaus the ministers had no power to excommunicat in their
synods. The affirmative wherof I sail plainlie prove by Scripture,
and practise of the primitive kirk in the most sincere tyme therof ;
in the first five hundreth yeeres nixt after Christ, before ever that
mysterie of Popish iniquitie beganne to be manifested. Christ, our
Maister, in the 18th of Matthew, gives the poAver of binding and
loosing, and denouncing to be holdin as ethnicks and publicans, to
the lawfullie assembled pastours, doctors, and elders, which he calles
the kirk, (as the best learned, and of solidest judgement expone it ;
nather can, it be otherwise taikin, without intolerable absurditeis :)
assuring his disciples, that were to be planters, teachers, and rulers
of the kirks, and in their persons, all these that sould succeed them
in the functioun of teaching and ruling the kirk, that whensoever
they sould assemble together, to the effect before noted of binding
and loosing, denouncing the disobedient to be holdin for ethnicka
and publicans, he sould be in the midds of them, to assist and di-
rect them by his Spirit, protect them by his power, and to ratifie
all their proceedings according to his Word ; yea, this is givin to a
few number of pastors and elders in anie congregatioun, muche
more to a great number of pastors and elders, directed from manie
and diverse congregatiouns, to assemble in his name, in a lawfull
synod. And in that same cace which yee alledge of the apostle to
the Corinths, the apostle himself had the cheefe stroke in pro-
nouncing that sentence, contrare to your false alledgance ; for he
sayes, ' Eyo jam ut presens judicavi^ ut is qui talia patravit, tradatur
SatancE.'' And he will the sentence pronounced by him to be con-
cluded and intimated to the whole congregatioun of Corinth, and
the whole actioun to be moderated by the governour of the kirk,
as the best learned tike it : for that deraocracie and popular governe-
1586. or THE KIRK OF SCOTLANP. 537
ment of yours has beene long since confuted by manle inviolable
arguments, and abolished everie where ; and this power, receaved
from Jesus Christ and his apostles, the lawfull assembleis of the
governours of the kirk, particular, provinciall, and generall, receaved
and putt in practise, untill that after Christ a five hundreth yeeres
and fiftie, the Pops of Rome and their Antichristian bishops most
ambitiouslie and tyrannouslie usurped it, and by their sole authori-
tie exerced the same ; and so it became to be no power or ordi-
nance of Christ, but a proud fecklesse usurpatioun of man, like to a
foolc's dagger often times drawin, and no wise bodie affrayed therof.
To prove the which, I will recite a few exemples of the most
notable among manie. Montanus, the heretick, was excommuni-
cated in diverse synods of Asia, in the raigne of Verus, (Euseb. lib.
V. cap. 14 ;) Novatus, with his adherents, in a synod gathered at
Rome, was excommunicated in the empire of Decius, (lib. viii. cap.
43 ;) Samosatenus in the seeund Councell of Antioch, under Aure-
lian ; Arrius, with his companions, in the Councell of Nice, under
Constantine, (lib. vii. cap. 29 ;) and in the Councell of Seleucia,
nyne bishops that stood to the errour of Acatius, Bishop of Cesarea,
whose names I cited before, were all together excommunicated,
under the raigne of Constantius, (Socrat. lib. ii. cap. 40;) Nestorius
in the Councell of Ephesus, in the time of Theodosius the younger,
(Soc. lib. vii. cap. 34 ;) and last, anno bbb, in the fyft Councell of
Constantinople, under Justinian, Theodorus, Theodotus, and Ibas,
with their writtings and works, were condemned and accursed,
(Evagor. lib. iv. cap. 37.) According to the which authoritie and
power of Christ givin in the hands of his kirk, and primitive cus-
tome, the generall councell and synod of Scotland, holdin at Sanct
Andrewes, the 24th of Aprile, anno 1582, excommunicated Mr R.
Montgomrie, called Bishop of Glasgow, at that tyme stirred up and
instructed by this same false bishop, our appealer, to trouble and
rent the kirk. And so, I am assured, your argument is proved
false, and utterlie overthrowne.
" Now, as to your prosyllogismes and paralogismes, whereby ye
preasse to confirme the same, wherof the first is verie famous and
538 calderwood's histohie 1586.
notable : learned men, say yee, arc of that opinioun, that ' where
Christian princes are, no excommunicatioun sould take place ;'
ergo, your synod sould not have excommunicated me : this is like
manic moe of your wicked opiniouns, no better concluded. Julian,
the Apostat, was a learned man, and thought liis defectioun from
Christ no fault ; no more doe yee. The same, and manie Papists,
were learned men, who thought that Hebrew and Greeke sould not
be taught in Christian schooles, for they bred hereseis ; as yee have,
in audience of honorable, godlie, and wise men mainteaned, that
they sould not, becaus they breed pride, dissentioun, and seditioun,
as yee alledge. Manie verie learned men thinke libertie of con-
science (as they call it) necessar in a commoun weale. And so
have yee not beene ashamed to affirme, and be a shrewde coun-
seller for that purpose, in this countrie. My Lord Bishop of Can-
terburie is a learned Doctor of Divinitie, and is of that opinioun,
that manie and daylie sermouns make the people to loath the Word,
and, therefore, one sermoun in a quarter of a yeere to be sufficient.
Therefore conclude yee it so to be indeid, and so, truelie, yee
esteeme. But he will peradventure reply, that he meanes good and
godlie learned men to be of that opinioun. I know, indeid, one or
two learned men otherwise godlie and of good and sincere judgement.
But that opinioun is of it self so absurd, and so confuted by a number
of the most godlie and learned writters, that all the cheefe and best
reformed kirks in Europ have damned and putt it away. And
yitt we must not want our bishop the appealer to cleave to this
opinioun : for if our borderers and other Scotish theeves knew the
opinioun of some learned men, that no theeves for stealing of goods
or geare sould be hanged or put to death, (as there are verie learned
men indeid in that opinioun,) they would incontinent cleave thereto,
and mainteane it with all their might. There is another thing
heere, so commoun to this man, that it can not be past unmarked ;
that is, that to confirme his wickedlie conceaved opiniouns he has
no conscience, of sett purpose, to sitt doun, and, like the vespe, to
take paines to pycke out poysoun of the best flowers and wholsomest
herbs. If there have escaped anie good writter, an unfitt and
158G. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 539
■wrong Interpretatioun of Scripture, albeit an liundreth times
amended by good reasoun, that he sail mark, to serve his turne. If
there be found in them anie errour (as there is no man but may
erre) or abuse, according to the corruptnesse of the tyme, and spe-
ciallie in the ancient Fathers and Doctors of the kirk, that he sail
have by the end. If there be anie perverse and evill exemple
amongst them, that must be cunned for the purpose. And, finallie,
if anie learned in this age or famous kirk have anie blotts or im-
perfectiouns, these must be spyed furth, obtruded, and imitated.
What perversitie of spirit or ingyne can this proceed of? Surelie,
I can compaire him to nothing better than to a sow, or other suche
like uncleane beast, about the hous of a wealthie man, which, leav-
ing the good stufte and cleane herbs, takes pains to seeke out dirt
and filthie excrements furth of secreit corners, albeit a great deale
easier, and in more abundance, they might find good and cleane
vivers beside. Or like to the venemous attercope, Avho, in the
secreit nuicks and holes of the hous, drinkes up the corrupt and
poysonable humors and vapours, wherof therafter she may make her
netts, to take and snare the simple flees in, who delite in the light
and brightnesse of the sunne.
" The secund paralogisme and proofe is, The ministers' excommu-
nicatioun in the synod is by the consent of their flockes ; ergo, it is
unlawfuU. First, yee have to prove that the consent of their
flocke is necessar for excommunicating a pastour Or bishop ; for in
so farre as the flockes can nather absolve nor excommunicat their
pastors ; and the practise of the primitive kirk has beene contrare,
becaus that often times the flockes were als hereticall as their
pastors, empoysouned by them, and their vitious doctrine and life.
And so, if their consent had beene necessarilie required, the kirk
sould never have gottin these hereticks and wicked men excommu-
nicated. It appeareth, that the judgement of the learned men, that
require the consent of the congregatiouns in excommunicatioun, is
to be taikin and understood when as one of the people is to be ex-
communicated, and not a pastor ; that is, of the pastor's behaviour in
that mater, having to doe with one of his flocke, and not of pastors
540 calderwood's iiistoijie 1586.
having suche an actioun against a pastour. But granting it were
requisite to have the consent of their congregatiouns, I answere,
that the congregatiouns their consents, votes, and judgements,
were present there in the assemblie, by their pastors and eklers
directed in comniissioun from them, with their whole power to
reasoun, vote, and conclude in all things there to be intreatted.
And so that alledgance failes you, als weill as the rest.
" He addeth, that the consent and leave of the magistrat was to
be sought. I answere, there was no need ; for where God in his
Word setts doun the duetie of the governours of the kirk, in exe-
cuting their office, and the good Christian magistrat by his lawes
has ratified and approved the same, have they anie neid to runne
daylie to court, to seeke new advice, and consent of the magistrat ?
Indeld, if there be anie great appearance of schisme in the kirk, or
dissensioun and uproare to arise thereby in the commoun weale, the
wise and discreit pastors sould employ the assistance of the magi-
strat for repressing therof, and discharging of their duetie. And so
we like weill of Augustine's advice in that cace, {Contra Episc.
Parme. Donat. lib. iii. cap. 2.) But no suche schisme or uproare
was to be feared in this mater ; for who could have doubted, but
all the honest and godlie of Scotland sould rejoice and glorifie God
for cutting off of so cankered and festered a member from the
bodie ? Yea, I say farther, that howbeit they knew that great
trouble would ensue, the devill would make a stirre, his instruments
would rage, sould the pastors therefore cease to doe their duetie, in
taiking away evill from amongst God's people, and purging of the
contagious leaven that might infect the whole lumpe ? Nay, they
sould not ; and if they would, th«y were, in so doing, distrusters of
God's power and wisdome, disobeyers to his will and command,
and betrayers of his kirk : for if the prophets, apostles, martyrs,
and the rest of the notable servants of God, had done so from the
beginning, there sould never a good worke have beene stood into,
nor brought to passe within the kirk. And yee had no other but
your poet, he might have taught you that duetie, * Tu ne cede
malisy sed contra, audentior ito^ to lett be the plaine doctrine of the
1586. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 541
apostle, ' Be not overcome with evill, but preasse to overcome evill
with good,' (Rom. xii.) But the Scriptures are more ample and
cleere in this cans, than anie neid craveth that they sould be cited."
Appealer.
" There is a notable disputatioun in Johne Chrysostome, of whom
I spake before, which 1 have writtin out of him, and directed to
your Majestic, that your Hienesse may consider with what spirit
that man of God was moved, and what difference of spirits is
betwixt thir excommunicatoui's and him. The words follow in
Latine, in this maner : — ' £n specto vivos qui nullum ex sncris Uteris
germanum sensum, imo, nihil omnino sacrarum literarum tenent.
Et ut pleraque transeam, non eruhesco dicere furibundos, nugaces
et contentiosos, qui neque sciunt quce dicunt, neque de quibus affirmant^
in hoc uno tantumaudaces, quod dogmata statiiant, et anathema de-
clarent, quce maxime ignorant. Hinc est quod exteris, jideique nosirce
ignaris, ludibrio simus^ habcmurque. 1. Quis scopus evangelij gratice ;
annon Filii Dei in came adventus, non ut nos mutuo mordeamus et
devorcmus ? 2. Lex prcecepit proximum diligendum in Christo, pro
eo moriendum ; ecclesia preces pro omnibus fundit quotidie ; quo mode
tufulminabis anathema ? 3. Christus secernet oves ab hoedis, in die
judicij : quis tu es, qui interea temporis, tantam potestatem tibi ven-
dicas f 4. Quidem sanctus qui apostolorum temporibus martyrium
tulit, monstraturus hujus verbi. Anathema gravitatem sic dixit,
sicut privatus homo regiam sibi ipsi purpuream circumponens, una
cum omnibus qui sejuvat, punitur ut tyrannus. Ita, et qui dominicam
sententiam fert, et hominem facit anathema^ ecclesia abducit seipsum
in extremam perniciem^ usurpando dignitatem Filij Dei. Sic ille dice"
bat, Putatis ne hanc parvi momeiiti^ rem illam ante judicem et judicii
tempus, aliquem ejusmodi sententia condemnare f Anathema enim
omnibus modis a Christo separate eumque signijicat, qui diabolo oblatus
est. Apostolus hanc duobus tantam locis usurpat, nee illud alicui
certce persona; intentat. 1 Cor. xvi. 22, Scribit, ' Si quis non amat
Dominum nostrum Jesam Christum, anathema sit.^ Et Galat. ii.
' aSV quis evaugelizaverit aliud quam accepistfs, anathema sit.^ Cur
542 calderwood's historie 1586.
ergo, quod nullus eorum qui potestatem acceperunt facere audct, tu
facere audes^ inimice mortis dominiccp, et prceoccupans judicium regis ^
5. Docte ait apostolus, i?i lenitate erudie/is, eos qui obsistunf, si quando
det iis Deus pamitentiarn ad cognoscendam veritatem, ut resipiscant a
diaboli laquco, a quo captivitenentur. 6. Charitas maximum Christi-
anorum vinculum ; quod nervi sunt corpori, licec mansuetudo^ hoc
charitas Christianis. Hcec proistitit apostolus, neque Christus cala-
mum confractum contrivit, et linum fumigans non extinxit. Audi
Judam, et eos qui, sicut ille, exciderant, tamdiu non ahjecit quousquc
quisque seipsum abductum errori mancipavit. 7. Precamur pro
populi ignorantiis, pro iis qui nos oderunt et persequuntur. En quam
probe implemus ministerium ! An, obsecro, ordinatio non effert, non
in sublime extollit, non potentiam prcestat ? JSia, ministerium nostrum
curemus, obsectemus^ et obtestemur, ut a malo disistunt. 8. Is quem
anathematizas, aut vivus est, aut mortuus. Sivivus, injuriam eifucis,
quem erigere potes ; si mortuus, domino suo stat vel cadit. Dogmata
autem sunt anathemate percutienda hominibus, autem parcendum, et
pro illis ovandum. Atque ita, ad rem, non ad personam adhibcndum
est anathema, ut in vetustis consiliis.^ Beseeking your Majestie to
consider and weygh with your Hienesse' self, nobilitie, and coun-
sell, how dangerous a thing it is to putt suche a sword in suche
men's hands, or to suffer them to usurpe farther nor their duetie,
whereby it may come to passe, that as rashlie and unorderhe they
have pretendedlie excommunicated the first man of your Majestie's
parUament, (albeit unworthie,) so there rests nothing of their nixt
attempt to doe the same to your Majestie's self. And your Ma-
jestie's and Honorable Counsell's answere humblie beseekes. From
St Andrewes, the 25 of Aprile 1586.
" Your Majestie's most obedient servitour and oratour,
" P. Sanct Andrewes."
Answere.
" Whether this discourse, or disputatioun as yee call it, be taikiu
out of Chrysostome or anie other, nather how faithfulHe yee ha\ c
writtin out, it made not muche. Onlie this I am assured, there is
1586. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 543
none of anie sound spirit, or judgement, to lett be the king's Ma-
jestic, (whose excellent spirit, and notable gifts of ingyne and know-
ledge yee would, if it lay in you, over grosselie and impudentlie
abuse,) that can marke anie difference of spirits betuixt us, and anie
good man of God thereby : for the first part therof serves weill
against suche as misuse excommunicatioun, making it not a whole-
some medecine, to correct and amend suche as walke inordinatlie,
but a sword of particular revenge, drawin at the licentious appetite
of proud and ambitious bishops ; suche as were at that time, who
ceassed never from contentioun, puffed up by hatred, pride, and
hight, and in the heate of their anger and spyte blasted furth
against other anathemitizatiouns ; likeas it may serve weill also
against the Pope, and antichristian bishops in this age, who talking
unto them that thing wdiich no wise perteans to them, that is, the
whole authoritie and jurisdictioun of the kirk, thunder furth cvu's-
ings upon cursings against the true Christians, and sheepe of the
pasture of Jesus Christ. From the which things seing, the Lord
be praised, we are free, these sayings apperteane nothing to us ;
but verie much doe tuiche and concerne your self, who, in your
choler and rage sending out your jacke men and boyes, to crie out
curses in the kirk, (horriblie abusing that holie place of prayer, and
the eares of the godlie,) against good men, and suche as are als weill
knowne and proved in Scotland, and other parts, to be the true
servants of God, as yee are to be the man that yee are, yee have
first of anie that ever was heard of in this countrie, practised that
which Chrysostome inveyghes against and condemnes. The rest
of your alledged disputation appeares to tend to that, and so would
yee have it taikin, that no excommunicatioun sould be used ; the
which, so manifestlie repugnes to the Word of God, (Matt. xvi. ;
1 Cor. V. ; 1 Tim. i. ; Tit. iii.) Of what spirit it can proceid, I
leave it to be marked of all men.
" Moreover, if yee apply that which your disputatioun so often
speakes of, anathema to your excommunicatioun, yee doe both your
self and us great injurie : your self, in thinking that ye are utterlie
544 CALDERWOOD's HI&TORIE 158G.
cutt off without hope of repentance ; and us, in alledging, that we
have taikin upon hand to judge on that which God has reserved to
Him. For if yee be ather ignorant or forgetfull of the difFercnce
betuixt anathema and excommunicatio, I sail ather tcachc or remem-
ber you, that they differ, as species and genus, or, ejusdem generis
^species. So your sophisme and conclusioun in reasoning is as if one
would inferre thus : The bishop was hanged, wheras he was but
taikin and putt in waird for his debt; becaus that wairding and
hanging are both punishments. The Hebrewes make three sorts of
excommunicatioun : The smallest they call ^IIJ that is, a seperatioun
from the rest of the people, and use of holie things for a space,
(Elias Levit. in suo T7iesbiie.) The next, D"in devotum, exitio,
that is, appointed for destructioun, which is called in the law a
cutting off of that soule which hath offended from his people, but
yitt, with hope of repentance and reconciliatioun ; which Christ
calles to be reputed as an hethnic or publican, and the apostle, ' to
give unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may
be safe in the day of the Lord.' The thrid and greatest of all
they call HDh^Dti^ anathema, vel extrema devotio, a deidlie and utter
rooting furth, without anie reversioifti of repentance, but a feerefull
expectatioun of judgement, and fire to consume, as the apostle ex-
pones it, (Heb. X.) And this last is that which the apostle calles
ava^E/ia /xa^avada, (1 Cor. xvi. 22.) Unto the which corresponding,
the ancient kirk had abstentos, suche as were debarred for a tyme
from the sacraments ; excommunicatos, excommunicated, and de-
barred from the holie societie and communioun of the sancts, until!
the time they sorrowed with the sadnesse according to God, tending
to salvatioun, not to be repented of, (2 Cor. vii.,) and extremo anatbe-
mate devotos, that were utterlie cutt off from Christ and his kirk,
and adjudged unto everlasting condemnatioun, in committing that
sinne unto the death, for the which no prayer ought to be made,
(1 John V.) The first two sorts were customablie used in the kirk
as wholesome salves to heale the sore of sinne, as Ambrose speekes
to the emperour ; but of the thrid, we read never an exemple, but
1586. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 545
one onlie of Julian the Apostat, for whose utter confusloun the
whole kirk prayed. In whose estat truelie, for my owne party/I
would be verie loathe to estceme you to be.
" And so, to packe up shortlie the answere to your disputatioun of
Chrysostome, the word anathema into it, ather is to be taikin pro-
perlie pro extrema devotione, as of thir words it is cleere that so it is
taikin by him indeid, where he sayes, ' Anathema omnibus vwdis a
Christo separat ; et apostolus hoc duohus tantum locis usurpat, nee alicui
cert(B personm intentat; (1 Cor. xvi. et Galat. ii.) And so, I answere,
it tuiches us nothing, for we never anathematized you, nor no other,
but left that to God, who onlie knowes whom he has cast into re-
probatioun; or then, it is taikin sijnecdochice, speciei nomen j)ro geucre,
velpotius, species una pro altera, anathema pro excommy.nicatione ; and
so, your dispute is ather against the abusse of excommunicatioun,
or plain against excommunicatioun, that it sould not be used. If
it be against the abusse, (as the first part thereof appeares,) it is not
against us, who have no wise abused it, but directly against your
self, who profanehe and godleslie abused it by your boyes and
jackemen. If it be against excommunicatioun it self, and the use
therof, as in the last part of your dispute appeares, it is against
Christ, that did command the use therof, and his apostles that putt
it in practise ; and so we thanke God that we are led with another
spirit than ather yee or the author of your disputatioun, in that point.
" Now, in conclusion, whereas yee exhort his Majestic to consider
of this mater, least that as they have excommunicated the first man
of his Majestie's parliament, so they sould attempt to doe the same
upon his Majestie's self, your exhortatioun, as it is shrewdlie con-
ceaved, it is intolerablie wicked against the ministers of God, tend-
ing to nothing but to kindle up the king in mislyking and anger
against them ; and to suche insufferable presumptioun and pride,
the which his Majestic and nobilitie sould by all severitie repressc,
to compare your self to his Majestic and counsell, and even your
desperat and devilish estat and conditioun, to suche as may befoll to
his Hienesse ; the which unhappie speiment > the Lord turne it iu
' Prediction.
VOL. IV. 2 M
546 calderwood's histouie 158G.
thy owne hand, and allsuche wicked enemeis to the king's Majestic,
both in bodie and soule, as thou art. For the Lord forbid that
ever it sould come in our minds to thinke that his Majestic sould
fall in the smallest part of an huudreth of thy malheures mischance-
teis ; or if it were, (as I sturre and uge* to make the supposi-
tioun,) that the proceedings of the kirk sould be used against his
Majestic as against thee ; and waried be the mouth that first or
last uttered that unhappie cace in his Hienesse' hearing, so mali-
cious and pernicious against the Kirk of Christ in this land, for He
sail be avenged of it.
" In end and conclusioun of all, I trust it be plain and evident to
the godlie and indifferent reader, that notwithstanding the appella-
tioun, qualified in all points and heids as the appealer has sett it
doun, our synod was lawfullie conveenned at the command, and in
the name and authoritie of the Lord Jesus, by the king's Majestie's
speciall licence and favour ; and that we in the same have done no
Avrong, ather to his Majestie's lawes, or to the appealer, but to have
proceeded according to the Word of God, in that processe of ex-
comrnunicatioun against him, and to have pronounced that sentence,
the which undoubtedlie the Lord Jesus Christ, according to his
' promise, has ratified in the heavens. And, therefore, in the merceis
of God, and bowells of love, we would exhort him yitt, as manle
time we have done, to leave off his brawling proud stomack, and
obstinat stryving against Chi'ist and his ordinance, (for the more
he repyne and struggle, the faster sail he find himself bound ;) and
beginne to weygh and consider his haynous sinnes and publict
slanders, which have procured his off-cutting, to the dolour of the
rest of the bodie ; that by humble and unfained repentance, he may
be restored and ingrafted again in that bodie, joyned with the
Ileid, to his owne endlesse weelefare, and the great joy of the
members. The Lord God the Father, in the tender mercle of his
Sonne, Jesus Christ, whom he spaired not, albeit his onlie begottin,
but for the love he boore to the lost sonnes of Adam, gave him to
the crucU and shamefull death of the croce for their redemptioun,
' Shudder.
1580. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 547
(if SO it be his good pleasure,) to worke efFectuouslie in your heart
by his Holie Spirit, that soe yee may doe. Amen.
" Lett the Lord live, and blessed be our sfrenth," Psalm xviii.
" It is a fearefull thing to fall in the hands of the Lord^'' Heb. x.
" James Melvill."
captax james charged to depart off the countrie.
About the end of Marche, Captan James Stewart, sometyme
Erie of Arran, was charged to depart off the countrie, betuixt and
the sixt of Aprile, under the paine of treasoun. Which he obeyed,
and, as Avas reported, went ather to Kintyre or Ireland.
ANGUS, WARDEN.
The Laird of Johnstoun being dead, the Erie of Angus was made
lieutenant or warden in the west borders, becaus the Lord Max-
well suffered theeves and robbers within his bounds, to spoile,
burne, and kill poor labourers of the ground of the surname of
Johnstoun, and others their favourers, or indifferent men.
Upon the 16th of Aprile, the Maister of Lindsey, and Thomas
Scott of Abbotshall, were summouned for smiting the Bishop of
Sanct Andrewes ; as also, the ministers who did excommunicat
him.
EGLINTOUN SLAINE.
Hugh, Erie of Eglintoun, passing out of his owne hous to Stir-
line, to a tryst, Avas besett by the Laird of Robertland, and others
of the surname of Cunninghame, and slaine. There was great
raoane made for his slausfhter.
MAXWELL RETUENETH.
Johne, Lord Maxwell, returned to Scotland about this tyme,
out of Spaine, accompanied with Captan Sempill, and without the
king's license.
[the * * GENERALL ASSEMBLIE.]
The Generall Assemblie conveened at Edinburgh, the 10th of
548 calderwood's historie 1586.
May, in the Upper Tolbuith. Mr Robert Pont, Moderator of the
last Generall Assemblie, made the exhortatioun upon the xv. of
the Acts. He discoursed upon the diverse kindes of assembleis of
the kirk ; the causes of assembleis ; the partels or persons who had
right to call them, to moderat, to reasoun, and vote ; the rule
whereby they were to be ordered, and whereby questiouns sould be
decided. He directed first an exhortatioun to the king's commis-
sioners. The king himself came not as was looked for. Another
exhortatioun to the ministers to stand constant ; the thrid, to the
ministers who had subscribed, to repent. When they were enter-
ing to choose a new moderator, the Pryour of Blantyre, Lord
Privie Scale, and Mr Peter Young, the king's schoolemaister, de-
clared, it was the king's pleasure that they sould stay from farther
proceeding till after noone, and that they conveene in the Chappell
Royall. The Assemblie consented, upon conditioun the libertie
of the Assemblie in that point be not prejudged.
Session 2.
The Assemblie conveenned after noone in the Chappell Royall.
The king made a harangue, conteaning two causes wherefore he
granted the ministers their requeist for calling of that Assemblie.
The one respected himself — that whereas, by occasioun of some late
alteratiouns within this realme, certan evill reports were spread
abroad of him, by some of his owne subjects, both within and
without the realme, that he had made defectloun from the true
religioun wherin he was brought up from his Infancie, therefore,
he thought good to convocat that Assemblie, to make protesta-
tioun of his soundnesse and perseverance in religioun ; and to
offer to satisfie presentlie anie man that would give anie reasoun
wherefore he suspected him ; alledging, there could be no fitter
tyme nor place. The other cans was, to resolve among themselves,
of a forme of discipline and church government most agreeable to
the Word of God, which he purposed to establishe throughout the
realme. Then he willed them to enter to their owne effalres. Mr
Robert Pont said, " Sir, We praise God that your Majestic, being
1586.
OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 549
a Christian prince, has decored our Assemblie with your owne pre-
sence : we trust your Majestic speeketh without hypocrisie."
They proceed to the electioun of a new moderator. Mr Peter
Blekburne, Mr David Lindsey, Mr NicoU Dagleish, Mr James
Balfour, were removed. The king voting first, and choosing Mr
David Lindsey, the most part of the votes followed that way, and
so Mr David Lindsey was chosin moderator. For the readier ex-
peditioun of maters to be treatted, Mrs Johne Robertsone, Alex-
ander Rawsone, Mr George Hay, Mr Peter Blekburne, the Laird
of Dun, William Christesone, Mr Johne Hepburne, Mr William
Moresone, Mr Thomas Buchanan, David Fergusone, Mr Robert
Pont, Mr Nicoll Dagleish, the king's ministers, Mr Adam John-
stoun, Mr David Hume, Mr Alexander Hume, Mr Johne Knox,
Mr James Brysone, Mr Andrew Hay, James Andersone, Mr Patrik
Galloway, were appointed to conveene with the moderator at ex-
traordinar houres, to conferre and give theu- advice in maters
meetest to be proponned and resolved upon in this Assemblie.
When Mr David Hume, minister at Coldinghame, was nominated,
the king said, " I have some thing to lay to that man's charge ;"
wherupon Mr Alexander Hume, minister of Dumbar, was chosin
for him. The king appointed the Secretar, the Justice-Clerk, the
LordPrivie Scale, the Lord Culrosse, Mr Johne Grahame, Mr Peter
Young, to conferre and reason with them in maters to be pro-
ponned, ather by them or the ministers ; and anie two or three of
them to concurre with the Assemblie, as his commissioners, at the
ordinarie houres and place ; and willed them to referre maters of
greatest weight to Moonday, at which tyme he purposed to be pre-
sent, and to propone some maters to them : yitt, for certan occa-
siouns moving him, he was not present.
Mr Patrik Galloway and Mr George Hay were directed to the
king, to solicite him for deHverie of the bookes of the Assem-
blie. They reported in the thrid sessioun, that his Hieuesse an-
swered, they sould be delivered to the clerk everie day, during
the tyme of the Assemblie, but at night they must be randered in
the hands of the Lord Privie Scale, till the end of the Assemblie,
betuiit and which tyme his Majestic would be present himself.
550 calderwood's historie 1586.
TRIELL OF BISHOPS.
The Assemblie ordeaned a citatioun to be directed furtli, to sum-
moun Mr David Cunninghame, Bishop of Aberdeene, to compeare
before the Presbytereis of Glasgow and Stirline, the 21st of June
nixtocum, in Stirline, to be tryed Avhether he be guiltie of the slan-
der of adulterie committed with Elizabeth Sutherland, or anie
other person, and if he sail be found by good appearance to be
guiltie, to suspend him from the functioun of the ministrie till the
nixt Generall Assemblie; and to summounhim to compeare before
them, to heare their determinatioun ; and that the summouns di-
rected against him be executed personallie, if he can be apprehended;
and that failing, at the kirks of New and Old Aberdeen, and his
dwelling-places, by the ministers of New and Old Aberdeene.
In the thirteenth sessioun, Mr Patrik Galloway and Jolme Dun-
cansone were appointed to goe doun to the king, and to desire, if
his Majestic thinke good, that certan of his counsell be appointed
to sight the processe of the Synod of Fife against the Bishop of
Sanct Andrewes, and his appellatioun, together with certan of the
brethrein which are to be nominated by the Assemblie. They re-
ported the king's answere, that he agreed to their desire, and ap-
pointed the morne at ten houres to be the tyme of their conveen-
ing to that effect. The Assemblie nominated Mr Robert Pont, Mr
Andrew Hay, Mr Andrew Polwart, Mr Nicoll Dagleish, Mr James
Balfoure, Mr David Lindsey, Mr Adam Johnstoun, Johne Dun-
cansone, to conveene with the king's deputeis to that effect, at the
houre appointed. It was ordeaned, that David Fergusone sould
supplee the moderator's absence.
Sessioun 16.
Forasmuche as, in the conference, some things were thought
meete to be propouxied to the Assemblie, concerning the mater of
the appellatioun of the synodall assemblie of Fife, interpouned by
the Bishop of Sanct Andrewes, the brethrein of the said synodall
so manie as were present, being desired to remove, protested con-
cerning that actioun, that the Assemblie sould proceed in forme,
158G. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 551
and take in the appellatlonn Avitli the processe, heare the alledgances
of the appellant and their answers ; oiFering them readie instantlie
to answere, and so, accordinglie, to proceed and judge ; otherwise
however they judged, proceeded, or sentenced in that mater, that
it sould be no prejudice to their processe and sentence, nor to them,
nor to the whole kirk in Scotland. Tuiching the mater of appel-
latioun interpouned by the Bishop of Sanct Andrewes, from the
processe and sentence of the synodall assemblie of Fife, led and
pronounced against him, the brethrein for the most part voted, not
to enter to the vigorous discussing of the appellatioun and processe
foresaid, but to a midds, suche as was propouned in writt, and
read by the moderator openlie to them ; wherof the tenour is this :
" If the bishop, by his hand-writt or personall compeerance in the
Assemblie, will in God's presence deny that ever he ather pub-
lictlie professed, or meaned in any sort to acclame, a supremacie,
or to be judge to other pastors or ministers, or ever allowed the
same to have a ground in God's Word ; and if he had so done, it
had beene an errour, and against his conscience and knowledge :
If he will denie, that in the last synodall assemblie he acclamed to
be judge thereto ; and if he did that, in that he erred, and in his
imperious behaviour and contempt of the said synodall, and his
brethrein present ; and crave oversight therof, and promise a good
behaviour in tyme to come : If he will promise to acclame no
further nor he may justlie by God's Word, and according to the
late conference, and endeavoure himself in all behalfes to shew
himself in all tyme to come a moderat pastor, and so farre as he
may be able, a bishop described by Paul, and to submitt his life and
doctrine to the judgement and censure of the Generall Assemblie,
without anie reclamatioun, provocatioun, or appellatioun therefra,
in anie tyme coming, for his Majestie's satisfactioun, and to give
testimonie with what good will we would obey his Highnesse, so
farre as we ought, or in conscience we may, and for the good hope
we have of his Majestie's favourable concurrence in building of
the hous of God, and for a quietnesse to continue in the kirk of
God within this realme : And becaus the processe of excommuni-
catioun was led, and the sentence pronounced during the tyme of
552 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1586.
the conference, wheriipon bis Majestic hath taikin occasioun of
offence, which for manie good causes were convenient to be re-
moved, we will forbeare to examine the said processe, or decide
whatsomever provocatioun or appellatioun, or to call in doubt the
legalitie or forme of the said processe, or to condemne the said syno-
dall ; yitt, for the respects foresaid, and upon good and weightie con-
sideratioun, we hold the said processe and sentence as unled and
undeduced, or pronounced, and repone the said bishop in all re-
spects, so farre as may concerne the said processe and sentence of
excommunicatioun, in the former estate he was immediatlie before
the same, lyke as no processe and sentence had beene led .and de-
duced against him ; providing alwise he observe what hatli beene
promised by him in the premisses, and behave himself duetifullie in
his vocatioun in all tyme comming."
Sessioun 17.
The which day, Mr Andrew Hunter, minister, made protesta-
tioun publictlie in the Assemblie as followeth ; viz., — " In respect
that the provinciall assemblie of the kirk of God, gathered together
in his name, holdin at Sanct Andrewes, the 12th day of Aprile
158G, for manifest crymes and open contumacie, hath justlie and
formallie, according to the Word of God, and sincere custome of
the kirk, excommunicated Mr Patrik Adamsone, and that in this
Assemblie Generall, they take upon them to absolve the said Mr
Patrik from the said sentence of excommunicatioun, the processe
not being tryed nor heard in publict, the person excommunicated
declaring no signes of true repentance, nather craving the same ab-
solvitour by himself, nor by his procurators, before the verie tyme
wherin they absolve him, he therefore for his part, and in name of
all other brethrein and true Christians who will to be participant
heerof, taketh God to record of the dealing of that Assemblie pro-
vinciall, and of this Assemblie Generall ; protesting also before the
Almightie, his holie angels, and sancts heere conveenned, that he
hath no assurance in God's Word, nor of conscience, to assent, al-
low, 01" appi'ove this his absolvitour yeelded unto by them. And,
therefore, untlU the tyme he perceave his conversioun to be true
1586. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 553
and efFectuall, he cannot but hold him a man justlie delivered unto
Satan, notwithstanding the said absolutioun." And this his pro-
testatioun, subscribed with his hand, he desired to be registred ad
perpetuam memoriam, and therewithall gave in the speciall reasons
moving him therunto, premitted to the said protestatioun, as the
originall at lenth beares.
Mr Andrew Melvill and Mr Thomas Buchanan adhered to their
protestatioun made before : " Forasmuche as Mr Patrik Adamsone,
Bishop of Sanct Andrewes, hath by his submissioun underwrittin
and presented to the Generall Assemblie of the kirk, dated at
Halyrudhous, the 20th day of May ISSt), and subscribed with his
hand, declared that in God's presence he solemnelie denyeth, that
he ather pubHctlie professed, ather meaned in anie sort to acclame,
a supremacie to be judge to the kirk, or anie Assemblie lawfullie
conveenned, or ever allowed the same to have a ground in God's
Word ; and if he had so done, it had beene an errour, and against
his conscience : Item, Denyeth that in the late Synodall Assemblie
at Sanct Andrewes he acclamed to be judge thereto ; and if he
did, in that he erred, and will remitt him to the brethrein present,
and crave oversight therof, and promise a good behaviour in tyme
to come : Item, He will in God's presence promise to acclame no
farther nor he may justlie by God's Word, and according to the
late conference, and sail by God's grace endeavoure him, in all
tyme comming, to shew himself in all behalfes a moderat pastor,
and so furth as he may be able, a bishop prescribed by Paul, and
submitt the tryell of his life and doctrine to the judgement and
censure of the Generall Assemblie in all tyme comming, according
to the Word of God ; as the said writting, subscribed, as said is, by
the said bishop, my Lord Justice-Clerk, Mr Peter Young, and Mr
George Young, witnesse, beareth : Therefore, and for his Majestie's
satisfactioun, and to give testimonie with what good will the said
Assemblie would obey his Highnesse so farre as they ought, or in
conscience may, and for good hope they have in his Majestie's fa-
vourable concurrence in building of the hous of God, and for a
quietnesse to continue in the Kirk of God in this realme, and be-
554 calderwood's historte 1586.
cans the processe of excommunlcatioun was led against the said
bishop, and the sentence pronounced during the tyme of the con-
ference, wherupon his Majestic hath taikin occasioun of offence,
which for manie good causes were convenient to be removed, they
will therefore forbeare to examine the said processe, or decide
whatsomever provocatioun or appellatioun ; or to call in doubt the
legalitie or forme of the said processe, or condemne the synodal! ;
yitt for the respects forsaids, and upon good and weightie consi-
deratiouns, they hold the said processe and sentence as unled, un-
deduced, or pronounced, and repone the said bishop in all respects,
so farre as may concerne the said processe and sentence of excom-
munlcatioun, in the former estat he was immediatlie before the
samine, like as no processe and sentence had beene led and deduced
against him ; providing alwise he observe what has beene pro-
mised by him in the premisses, and behave himself duetifullie in
his vocatioun in tyrae comming."
In the thrid sessioun, a questioun was propouned by the com-
missioners of the Synod of Lothiane, if there was anie man of
another judgement, but that the discipline which we had diverse
yeeres bygane was according to the AVord of God. It was thought
good the questioun sould be reasouned first in the privie conference.
The Secretar, the Pryoiu* of Blantyre, and Mr Peter Young, com-
missiouners for the king, proponed whether bishops might have
preeminence over the brethrein, if not jurisdictionis, yitt ordinis
causa ? The Assemblie answered, it could not stand with the Word
of God : onelie they must tolerat it, if it be forced upon them by tiie
civill authoritie. Sessioun 4. Tuiching the doubt moved, if it be
Icasome to anie toun or citie, where there is an universitie in the
game, and a part of the parish lying without the toun, to choose a
minister to the whole parish and universitie without their consents
and votes, under pretence of an old custome and priviledge ? The
Assemblie answered, it was not leasome.
In the sixt sessioun, the Assemblie found, after reasoning, that
visitatiouns were lawfull and necessarie, but continued the forme
and the rest of the circumstances to farther reasoning. Sessioun 7.
158G. OF THE KIKK OF SCOTLAND. 555
Tuiching the forme and other circumstances of visitutiouns, left to
farther consideratloun, at the desire of my Lord Privie Scale, the
Assemblie directed their brethrein, Mrs Robert Pont, Andrew Mel-
vill, Thomas Buchanan, Nicoll Dagleish, Mr Andrew Polwart, Mr
Peter Blekburne, to conferre with the king's commissioners in the
yle of the kirk upon that, and suche other maters as sail be com-
municated to them.
Sessioun 4.
It is thought univcrsallie mecte, that through the whole countrie
there be orderlie sett doun presbytereis in the places underwrittin,
which are judged most proper and convenient therefore, to the
number following : viz., in Orkney, and within the toun of Kirk-
wall ; another in Zetland, within the toun of * * * . In
Cathnesse, viz., in Thurss and Darnoch. In Rosse, two therof ;
one in Tayne, another in the Chanonrie. In Murrey, foure, viz., In-
nernesse, Forresse, Elgine, and Ruthven. In Aberdeen, five, viz.,
Fordice, Deir, Innerourie, Aberdeen, Kincardin. In IVIernes, one,
viz., in Bervie. In Angus, three, viz., Monrose, Brechin, Dundie.
In Dunkelden, in Perth, in Dumblane, in Stirline, and Lothiane,
five ; Linlithquo, Edinburgh, Dalkeith, Hadintoun, Dumbar. Fife,
foure ; St Andrewes, Cowper, Dumfermline, Kirkaldie. In Merse,
Chirneside. In Tiviotdaill, three ; Melrose, Jedburgh, Kelso. In
Tweddaill, Peebles. In Annandaill, MofFet. Nithisdaill, two ;
Dumfreis, Sanquhare. In Galloway, foure ; Glenluce, Wigtoun,
Kirkcudbright, Sanct John's Clauchan. In Carrict, Minnybole.
In the Shirefdome of Air ; viz., in Air, in Cunninghame, in Irwing.
In Renfrew ; Paisley, Lennox, Dumbartan. In the nether waird
of Cliddisdaill, in the overwaird, two ; Lanerk and Bigger. And
to the effect that the kirks which most properlie sould be united to
everie presbyterie may be united thereto, wherupon the saids pres-
bytereis may be erected convenientlie, the Assemblie hath or-
deanned, and ordeaneth, their brethrein underwrittin, to witt, Mr
Johne Robertsone for Rosse, Mr Alexander Rawsone for Murrey,
Mrs Peter Blekburne and James Reid for Aberdeen, Mr AndrcAV
556 calderwood's historie 158G.
Mylne for Mernes, the Laird of Dun, Mr Joline IlepLurne, Wil-
liam Christesone, Mr James Balfour, for Angus, the Bishop of
Dunkelden for Dunkelden, Mr Patrik Galloway for Perth, Mr An-
drew Young for Dumblane, Mr James Andersone for Stirline,
David Fergusone and Mr Thomas Buchanan for Fife, Johne
Brand, Mr Andrew Blackhall, Mr Thomas Makghie, William San-
dersone, for Lothiane, Mr Johne Spotswod, George Lundie, for
Linlithquo, David Hume for Merce, Mr Johne Knox, George
Johnstoun, for Tiviotdaill, Mr Archibald Dowglas, Robert AUane,
for Tweddaill, Johne Duucansone for Galloway, Johne Makcorne
for Carrict, Mr Johne Porterfeild for Air, Mr Robert Wilkie for
Cunninghame, Mr Andrew Hay for Renfrew, Mr Patrik Walkin-
shaw for Lennox, Mr Andrew Polwart for Glasgow, Thomas Lind-
sey for Lanerk and Biggar, to travell everie one according to the
bounds limited unto them, to the effect above-writtin, and to present
their travells the morne before noone.
Sessioun 5.
The brethrein appointed to give in the names of the kirks, as
they thought might most properlie be castin in to the presbytereis,
presented their judgements, and the names in writt, which were de-
livered to my Lord Clerk of Register, whom the kirk requeisted to
vissie and consider the same, and to give his judgement therof. As
to the places where the synodall assembleis sail be holdin, and the
day of their nixt conventioun, it is thought meete, that their nixt as-
semblie sail beginne the first Tuisday of October nixtocum, in the
particular places following, where being conveenned, they sail choose
at their owne optioun the same, or suche other places Avithin their
bounds as they thinke most expedient therafter ; and so furth
frome tyme to tyme, as they sail appoint and thinke meetest.
Alwise for the fi^rst tyme and nixt assemblie sail conveene as
folio weth : viz., the synodall assemblie of Orkney in Kirkwall, of
Calhnesse in Dornoch, of Rosse in the Chanonrie of Murrey in
Elgine, of Bamf in Torre, of Aberdeen in Aberdeen, of Angus and
Mernes in Brechin, of Dunkelden in Dunkelden, of Dumblane in
1586. OF THE KIKK OF SCOTLAND. 557
Dumblane, of Fife and Perth in Sanct Andrewes, of Lothiane in
Edinburgh, of Merse, Tiviotdaill, Tweddaill, to Lauder of Nithis-
daill, in Dumfreis, of Galloway in Wigtoun, of Kyle, Carict, and
Cunninghame, in Air, of Cliddisdaill, Renfrew, and Lennox, in
Glasgow.
The Assemblie requeisted the secretar to intreat his Majestic,
that the Generall Assemblie may be holdin yeerlie, or ofter, as oc-
casioun sail offer; and to understand what tyme his Majestic
thinketh meet for holding the nixt conventioun.
Tuiching maters pertcaning properlie to Generall and Provinciall
Assembleis, certan heeds being read, which were agreed on in the
late conference, holdin betuixt certan of the king's Majestie's com-
missioners, and suche others of the ministrie called by his Grace
to that effect, the Assemblie thought meet© they sould be farther
considered till after noone.
Sessioun 0.
Tuiching the heed read before noone, referred to farther delibe-
ratioun, the moderator declared, that the mater being in a part
reasouned in privie conference, they had penned two articles, which
they thought good the Assemblie sould judge upon, and to vote to
the same, if they find it expedient. Which being read and advised
with, the whole brethrein gave assent therto. Of the which ar-
ticles the tenour foUoweth : —
" It is found, that all suche as the Scripture appointeth gover-
nours of the Kirk of God, as namelie, pastors, doctors, and elders,
may conveene to th© Generall Assembleis, and vote in ecclesiastical
maters ; and all other that have anie sute, or other things to pro-
pone to the Assemblie, may be there present, to give in their sutes,
propone things profitable to the kirk, and heare reasoning, but sail
not vote.
" There are foure ordinar oflEicers sett doun unto us by the Scrip-
tures, to witt, pastors, doctors, elders, and deacons ; and the name
of a bishop ought not to be taikin as it hath beene in Papistrie, but
is commoun to all pastors and ministers."
558 calderwood's iiistorie 1586.
Scssioun 8.
Tuichlng the proposltioun of the king's Majestie's commissioners
made to the whole Asscmblicj to resolve, after mature and commoun
deliberatioun, if they will accept bishops, Avith the conditiouns sett
doun at the conference had betuixt certan of his Majestie's counsell,
and certan of the brethrein of the ministrie, or if they would re-
fuse, the Assemblie continued their answere till the morne, after the
publict reading of the said conference. The king's commissioners,
after privat reasoning with the brethrein above-writtin, came to
the Assemblie, and the treasurer propouned, that ather it behoved
them to approve the whole conference wherunto his Majestic agreed,
or ellis that all things must remaine as they were ; for, except the
estat of bishops were receaved, as was agreed in that conference,
the king would grant nothing.
Session Ji 9.
Certan heeds advised on in the privie conference being pro-
pouned to consultatioun, the Assemblie for the most part voted
that the heeds of the conference mentiouned yesternight be first
considered, to the effect they may resolve upon the answere.
Albeit, the articles agreed upon in the conference holdin at
Halyrudhous, betuixt certan appointed by the king's Majestic, of
his counsell, and certane brethrein of the ministrie, called by his
Higlmesse to that effect, the particulars being openlie read, the
brethrein agreed to the first article, it being conceaved in thir
termes : " It is condescended, that the name of a Bishop hath a
speciall charge and functioun annexed to it by the Word of God,
the same that the ordinar pastor hath."
Tuiching the remanent articles of the said conference, it was
thought good to lay first some grounds to reasoun. And first,
after reasoning w\as concluded, that it was lawful! to the Generall
Assemblie to admitt a pastor, bishop, or minister having a benefice,
presented by the king's Majestic unto the same. Siclyke, that vi-
sitatioun is in the person of pastors. Itejn, The Generall Asscm-
1586. or THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 559
blie may send a man, accompanied with suche as the presbyterie
sail adjoyne unto him in visitatioun.
Sessioun 10.
In answering to the heeds of the conference had betuixt certane
of his Majestie's counsell, and certane of the brethrein, at his Hie-
nesse' command, the whole Assemblie declareth, that by the name
of a Bishop, they onlie mean of suche a bishop as is described by
Paul. And so understanding, they agree with the thrid article of
the said conference. Concerning the fourth article, it is agreed,
that the bishop may be appointed by the Generall Assemblie to
visit certan bounds to be limited to him ; and, in visitatioun therof,
he sail proceed by advice of the synodall assemblie, and suche as
they sail adjoyne unto him. In reserving of presentatiouns, and
giving collatiouns of benefices, he sail proceed by the advice and
vote of the presbyterie where the benefice lyeth, and of certan as-
sessors to be joyned to him, at the least of the most part of the
presbyterie and assessors, untill the tyme the presbytereis be better
constituted, and the generall kirk take farther order. The same as-
sessors at the first tyme sail be nominated and chosin by the Gene-
rall Assemblie.
Sessioun 11.
He sail be subject, in respect he is a pastor, as other pastors arc,
to be tryed and censured in his life and doctrine, by the presby-
terie or the synodall assemblie ; and becaus he hath commissiouu
of the Generall Assemblie, in that respect to be tryed by tliem.
If he admitt or deprive, without consent of the most part of the
presbyterie and counsell, the deed to be null, and the doing therof
to be suflScient cans of deprivatioun of him.
His power to be orcUnis causa, non jurlsdictionis.
Where they that commounlie are called bishops may not over-
take the whole bounds, called of old dioceis, commissioners sail be
presented by his Majestic to the Generall Assemblie, and admitted
by them thereto, as the said bishops are to theirs^ and to be compt-
5 GO calderwood's historte 1586.
able allanerlie to the said Assemblic for their commissioun ; and
the bishop to have no power within their bounds more nor they
have within his.
The commissioners being elected, as said is, to have alike coun-
sell and power in the execution of their office as the bishop hath.
That the commissioners appointed to visite other presbytereis or
particular kirks, as the presbytereis or synodall assemblie sail thinke
good, not prejudging the presbytereis' particular visitatioun.
The same causes of life and doctrine to deprive a bishop or com-
missioner that deprive a minister.
The fourteenth article agreed unto.
Tuiching the assembleis, the first article agreed unto.
The commissioners for the king's Majestic protested, in respect
the Assemblie hath cast doun that which was required in the con-
ference holdin at Halyrudhous, betuixt certan of his counsell and
of the ministrie, that nothing done, nather in the said conference,
nor in this Assemblie, have anie force or effect ; and namelie, in re-
spect they have subjected bishops to the try ell and censure of pres-
bytereis and synodall assembleis.
In respect of the which protestation, the Assemblie immediatlie
directed to the king's Majestic Mr Robert Pont, Mr James Martine,
and Mr Patrik Galloway, to informe his Majestic concerning this
mater.
Sesstoun 12.
The brethrein directed to the king's Majestic yesternight re-
ported, his Majestic could not agree that bishops or commissioners
sould be otherwise tryed than by the Generall Assembleis.
In respect of the tyme, the Assemblie hath thought it expedient,
albeit it be thought lawfull and reasonable by them, that the tryells
and censuring of pastors be in the presbyterie's hands : notthelesse,
that the tryall and censuring of suche pastors as the Generall As-
semblie give commissioun to visite, sail be in the hands of the said
Assemblie, or such as they sail depute, whill further order be taikin
by the said Generall Assemblie.
158G. OF TUE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 5t)l
It is resolved, that the commissioners appointed by the Generall
Assemblie sail continue in that charge for a yeere in to come, and
from thyne-furth, according as the said Assemblie sail thinke ex-
pedient. The brethrein are warned to repaire to the Abbey the
morne, at ten houres ; and for that caus that they depart not.
Sessioun 13.
Tulching commissioun of visitatioun, ather by bishops or others,
the Assemblie declareth, that all the said commissiouns sail ceasse,
and take no effect in tyme comming, Avithout new commissioun be
givin to them by the Generall Assemblie for that effect.
Ordeans Mr Robert Pont, Mr David Lindsey, David Fergusone,
Mr Andrew Hay, to consider and make a choice out of the whole
number of the brethrein, of the most godlie, discreit, and qualified
for the said visitatioun, and to give in their names to my Lord
Secretar.
Tuiching the order of the presbyterels, the consideratioun and
judgement therof being alreadie referred to my Lord Clerk of Re-
gister, so manie of the brethrein as have anie doubt, or would be
satisfied theranent, are required to repaire unto him, where, with
reasoun, they will be resolved.
Sessioun 14.
Suche of the brethrein as pretend anie doubt concerning the or-
der of the presbytereis are ordeanned to repaire to the Clerk Re-
gister ; who, being satisfied with reasoun, the order may be esta-
blished. Siclyke, in respect of the mater of appellatioun of the
Bishop of Sanct Andrewes from the synodall of Fife, and the heed
of the commissioners, and other weightie causes yitt unresolved,
the brethrein are warned to stay till some order be taikin therin.
Sessioun 15.
Ordeans two or three of everie countrie to resort to my Lord
Clerk of Register, to visite the platt of ministers' stipends ; and
VOL. IV. 2 N
562 calderwood's historie 158(5.
siclyke of the presbytcrels, and order tlierof; where they may give
their advice, and be satisfied.
Where the king's Majestic and his hous maketh residence, it is
found meetc that they, with his Grace's ministers, be of that pres-
byterie where they make then residence ; and the saminc to be un-
derstood of the nobilitie, their houshold, and ministrie.
Sessioun 16.
Tuiching articles to be propouned to his Majestic and counsell,
ccrtane being conceaved in writt, and read in Assemblie, were or-
deanned to be presented and craved ; wherof the tenor followes : —
HUMBLE PETITIONS OF THE MINISTRIE CONVEENED AT THIS GENE-
RALL ASSEMBLIE OF THE KIRK, TO THE KING'S MAJESTIE, FOR
SOME MATERS TENDING TO THE ESTABLISHING OF THE POLICIE
OF THE SAME KIRK.
" It will please your Majestic to take some substantious order
how the countrie, without delay, may be purged of the pestiferous
sect of the Jesuits ; especiallie of suche, as for the freindship in the
north, or highlie authorized, who, although they have beene sum-
mouned to underly the law, and assise summouned to that effect,
yitt their non-compeerance being dispensed with, they freelie going
through the countrie, meaning nothing lesse than to depart ; and
Jesuits out of the south, and furth of France, repairing of new unto
them.
" Item, That seing Papistrie aboundeth in the north, by reasoun
of the skant of qualified ministers there, for laike of sufficient pro-
visioun and stipend, that therefore asslgnatiouns may be made
unto them, conformable unto the ministrie in the south ; and that
the thrids there be not assigned unto the thrids of the south whill
their owne kirks be first provided sufficientlie, and suche as other-
wise have beene disponed may be discharged.
" Iterrij That judges may be appointed in all shires for executioun
1586. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 563
of the acts of parliament made against the breakers of the Sab-
both day, adulterers, and suche opin transgressers of God's law.
" Item, In clieefe buiTOwes their teaching is ordinar foure tymes
In the weeke, beside the discipline, visitation of the sicke, ordinar
to pastors, and other charges ; that two ministers therefore be ap-
pointed to suche touns.
" Item, That order may be tane how the colledges' kirks may be
served.
" Item, That order may be tane for manses and gleebs to mini-
sters making residence at abbey kirks ; as also suche as have, or
sail have manses and gleebs, may have their necessars thereto,
suche as fewes and pasturage, with faill and divet,^ as was wount
to be of before.
" That all gifts of benefices having the cure of soules annexed
unto them, dispouned by his Hienesse pleno jure, and not qualified
persons presented unto them, with ordinar tryell and coUatioun
following therupon, may be declaired, according to the king's Majes-
tie's lawes alreadie made, null ; and that hie Hienesse will give new
presentations therupon to qualified persons, and the nuUitie of the
former gift to be discussed, als weill by way of exceptioun as actioun.
" That all presentatiouns, and gifts of benefices of cure lesse nor
prelaceis, dispouned als weill by his Majestic as laick patrons,
otherwise than to qualified ministers, or in anie extraordinar forme,
not allowable to the commoun law of the raunicipall lawes of this
realme, and forme observed in the reformed kirk of this realme
since his Majestie's coronatioun, may be annulled, and new pre-
sentatiouns granted to qualified ministers ; admitting the nullitie
to be discussed, als weill by way of exception as actioun.
" That all coUatiouns granted by men that had no commissioun
nor ecclesiasticall functioun in the kirk, nor of that place and
countrie the tyme of the giving of the coUatioun, be declared null,
and the fruicts sequestrated ; at the least, whiU the persons claming
right by suche collation be of new examined, tryed, and admitted,
' The right of cutting peat for fuel, and turf for roofing dykes and houses.
564 calderwood's historie 1586.
if he be found worthie, by them who sail be appointed for that
effect, and authorized by this present Assemblie.
" That the benefices of cure under prelaceis, wherunto ministers
are admitted, may be free from payment of the first fruicts and
fyft pennie ; and may have their signatures of presentation exped
the privie scale, upon his Majestie's owne subscriptioun onlie, and
the Secretars, without anie payment or cautioun found to the
Treasurer. And suche poore men as have alreadie payed, or found
cautioun for payment, wherof my Lord Treasurer hath not alreadie
charged him in his compts, to have the same refounded to them, or
discharged.
" Seing the fault of non-depriving of the unworthie, culpable,
and non-resident ministei's, proceedeth of this, that sindrie of the
bishops have beene negligent in sindrie places ; in some other
parts there are no bishops or commissioners, and so the acts are not
executed, the bookes of modificatioun full of a number of suche
persons as have not shewed themselves as ministers ; that there-
fore a commissioun be givin to one or moe qualified persons, mini-
sters, to sitt in Edinburgh, and call the non-residents, and others
delated, to be worthie of deprivation, or deprived, where there may
be consultation of learned men had, and the processe may be led
without boast or feare.
" It is heavilie compleanned by manic privie men, ministers, and
readers, having personages and vicarages assigned to them for their
stipends, that they are exorbitantlie and ungodlie used in tax-
atiouns, their benefices being long since decayed, through the want
of crosse-presents, upmost cloaths, pasche fynes, offerands, and
suche like things usuallie payed in time of Papistrie, which were
the principall part of the rents of manie personages and vicarages,
and yitt they must pay the extremitie of the old taxatioun, according
to the rate, as rentalls, than were at the best, without anie re-
leefe, where as the most part of prelats exeemed from preaching or
service in the kirk gett their whole releefe of the poore fewers and
vassalls ; and that, therefore, there may be some more equitable
order of taxatioun appointed for the tyme to come.
i
158G. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 565
" That it would please his Majestic to caus consider what pre-
laceis have vaiked since the Act of Parliament made in October
1581 ; and that speciall assignatioun be made for susteaning of the
ministers of the kirks belonging to them, of the readiest of the
fruicts of the same kirks ; otherwise the provisioun, according to
the act, to be declared null.
" That the bishops, commissioners of Argile and the Yles, may-
be subject to attend on the Assembleis Generall, and to keepe their
exercises and synodall assembleis, as in other parts of the realme,
which is a furtherance to the king's Majestie's obedience ; since,
otherwise, they appeare as exeemed out of his dominion.
" That his Majestic will yitt give directioun to some persons of
experience and good will, to searche, enquu-e, and try the true estat
of the rentall of all prelaceis, and other benefices at this present ;
and in whose default, and by what occasioun they are so farre hurt
and dismcmbrcd ; that therafter the best remeeds that are possible
may be considered and provided, for helping of them heerafter,
both for the weale of the king and the kirk.
" That his Majestic Avill caus the Lords of Sessioun declare
whether his Hienesse or the Erie of Orkney hathe the right to the
patronages of the benefices of Orkney and Zetland ; to the effect
that titles of benefices, conferred to poore ministers, be not ay in
danger of annulling, upon uncertantie of the right of the patron-
age.
" That no persons or stipends be putt in the Booke of Modifica-
tioun, but onlie suche as the commissioners of the kirk sail aflfirme
and testifie, upon their truthe, to be qualified persons, and actuallie
making residence at their kirks.
" That vicarage pensioners and stallars, as they vaike after de-
ceasse, or deprivatioun of the present possessour, may accresse, to
be joyned to the principall benefice, and be assigned to the mini-
ster in his living and stipend.
" That all readers provided of before to vicarage or stipends may
bruike the same whill their deceasse or deprivatioun ; and none to
be admitted to title of anie benefice of cure or stipend in the
566 calderwood's historie 1586.
Booke of Modificatioun, in tyme comming, but qualified mini-
sters.
" That the whole rents of all benefices of cure under prelaccis,
dispouned to ministers since his Hienesse' coronatioun, be assigned
Avhole, and allowed to them in their livings and stipends.
" That the judgement of all causes concerning deprivatioun of
ministers from benefices in the secund instance, sail come by way
of appellatioun to the Gencrall Assemblie, and there take finall
end ; and not before the Lords of Sessioun, by way of reductioun."
Sessioun 17.
Tuiching the commissioners nominated by the king's Majestic
to vissie the bounds after specified, the Generall Assemblie of the
kirk, advised with the qualiteis of the saids persons, and everie one
of them, hath admitted, and admitteth them to the said charge in
the particular bounds, as followeth : that is to say, Robert Grahame
to Cathnesse, Mr Johne Robertsone to llosse, Mr Johne Keith to
Murrey, Mr George Hay to BamfF, Mr Peter Blckburne to Aber-
deene, Johne Areskine of Dun to Angus and Mernes, James
Andersone to Dumblane, Mr James Brysone to Nithisdaill, Mr
David Lindsey to Lothiane, Mr Andrew Clayhills to Mcrce and
Tiviotdaill, Johne Duncansone to Galloway, Johne Porterfeild to
Kyle, Carict, and Cunninghame, Mr Andrew Hay to Cliddisdaill,
Renfrew, and Lennox. And this their commission for the space of
a yeere.
Tuiching beneficed persons meriting deprivatioun, the Assemblie
hath nominated their brethrcin, Mr Robert Pont, Mr David Lind-
sey, Mr Johne Craig, Mr Nicoll Dagleish, Johne Brand, or anie
three of them, to proceed against suche persons, conforme to a
commlssioun to be granted to them by the king's Majestic, with
advice of his counsell to that effect.
All ministers are exhorted and admonished to judge charitablie of
others, albeit there be diversitie in their opiniouns and votes, re-
mitting everie man to God and his conscience ; and that none pub-
lictlic, in pulpit, quarrell or impugne the detcrminatioun of the
i
1586. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 567
Generall Assemblie, concerning the mater of appellatioun from the
sentence of the Synod of Fife.
Sessioun 18.
Thebrethrein directed to the king's Majestie, with certan articles
craving present resolutionn, reported his Majestie's answere, that in
the whole heeds, a little difficultie excepted, which is noted with
his Majestie's hand, his Grace agreed.
The tenour of the saids Articles.
That there be Generall Assembleis everie yeere once, and olter,
pro re nata.
Maters to he treated in the Provinciall Assembleis.
1. Thir assembleis are constituted for weigh tie maters, necessar
to be treatted with mutuall consent and assistance of the brethrcin
within the province, as need requlreth.
2. This assemblie hath power to handle, order, and redresse all
things omitted, or done aniisse, in the particular assembleis.
3. It hath power to depose the office-bearers of that province,
for good and just causes deserving deprivatioun. His Majestic
agreed not with this article, but in this maner, " It hath power Xo
depose the office-bearers of that province, except commissioners and
bishops."
4. And, generallie, thir assembleis have the whole power of the
particular elderships, wherof they are to be collected.
Maters to he treated in Preshytereis.
1. The power of presbytereis is to give diligent labours in the
bounds committed to their charge, that the kirks be keeped in good
order; to inquire diligentlie of naughtie and ungodlie persons, and
traveU to bring them in the Avay again, by admonitioun, or threat-
ning of God's judgements, or by correctioun.
2. It apperteaneth to the eldership to take heed that the Word
of God be purelie preached within their bounds^ the sacraments
568 caldeewood's historie 1586.
rlghtlie minlstred, the discipline mainteaned, and the ecclesiasticall
goods uncorruptHe distributed.
3. It belongeth to this kinde of Assembleis to caus the ordinances
made by the assembleis, provinciall, nationall, and general!, to be
keeped and putt in executioun.
4. To make constitutiouns which concerne ro v^i'zov in the kirk,
for decent order of the particular kirk where they governe, provid-
ing that they alter no rules made by the Provinciall or Generall
Assembleis, and that they make the provinciall assembleis foresaid
privie of the rules that they sail make, and to abolishe constitu-
tiouns tending to the hurt of the same.
5. It hath power to excommunicat the obstinat. His Majestic
agreed unto this fyft article, in this maner : "It hath power to ex-
communicat the obstinat, formal processe being led, and due inter-
valls of tyme being observed."
Tuiching particular Kirks.
If they be lawfuUie ruled by sufficient ministers and sessioun,
they have power and jurisdictiouu in their own congrcgatioun, in
maters ecclesiasticall, to take order therewith ; and things that
they can not decide, to bring to the prcsbyterie.
Maters to he treated in the Preshyteric.
Heresie, papistrie, apostasie, idolatrie, witchecraft, consulters
with witches, contempt of the Word, not resorting to the Word,
continuance in blasphemie against God and his truthe, perjurie,
incest, adulterie, fornicatioun, connnoun drunkcnncsse. These
things for the present and farther, whill order be tane in the con-
ference.
Farther, it was shewed to the said Assemblie, by the brcthrein
directed to his Majestic, that his Grace declared, that for tricll of
anie slander in the life, conversatioun, and doctrine of bishops or
commissioners, the said Assemblie sould appoint a number of
brcthrein in cvcrie province, having power from the said Assemblie
to try them, and take probatioun, lead processe therein, betuixt and
i
1586. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 569
the nixt Assemblie, if occasloun fall out ; remitting the finall sen-
tence and determinatioun to the said Generall Asserableis.
The Generall Assemblie of the Kirk giveth full power and cora-
missioun to the brethrein under writtin, within the bounds after
following, to summoun before them respective, at suche day and
place as they sail thinke expedient, the bishops and commissioners
after specified, if they find occasioun of slander to arise by them in
life, doctrine, or conversatioun, at anie tyme betuixt and the nixt
Assemblie Generall ; and to try and take probatioun therof, lead and
deduce processe against them, to the sentence exclusive ; remitting
the finall judgement therin to the said Generall Assemblie, whill
farther order may be taikin by uniforrae consent of the brethrein.
That is to say, Mr Robert Inneis, William Gray, Andrew Ander-
sone, for the Commissioner of Cathnesse ; Mr George Monro,
Robert Monro, Finlay Mainsone, Andrew Mylne, Mr Johne Rosse,
for Rosse ; Mr James Dundas, Mr Alexander Dowglas, Mr William
Dowglas, Mr Alexander Rawsone, Mr Johne Inneis, Mr Thomas
Howesone, for the Commissioners of Murrey ; Mr James Duff", Mr
Gilbert Gairdin, Johne Philip, Mr Johne Knox, for the Commis-
sioners of Bamf ; Mr George Patersone, Mr Walter Stewart, James
Reid, Johne Strauchane, Mr Johne Strauchane, Mr Thomas Bisset,
Mr Duncan Davidsone, David Howesone, for the Commissioners
of Aberdeene ; William Christesone, Mr Andrew Mylne, Mr
William Moresone, Mr James Melvill, Mr James Balfour, Mr Paul
Fraser, Johne Dure, for Angus and Mernes ; David Fergusone,
Johne Dykes, Mr Johne Caldcleughe, Mr Patrik Galloway, Mr
David Lindsey, Mr Robert Pont, Mr Adam Johnstoun, Mr Nicoll
Dagleish, or anie seven of them, to try the Bishop of Sanct An-
drewes, if any new slander or offence fall out. Mr Patrik Galloway,
Mr William Rind, Mr William Edmistoun, Mr William Glasse, Mr
Johne Abercrumbic, Patrik Wemes, for the Bishop of Dunkelden ;
Mr AndrcAv Young, Mr William Stirline, Mr Arthure Futhie,
Patrik Gillespie, for Dumblane ; Mr Robert Pont, Mr Nicol Da-
gleish, ]\Ir Walter Balcanquall, Johne Brand, Mr Andx'ew Blak-
hall, Mr Patrik Simsone, Mr Johne Hall, Mr Adam Johnstoun,
570 calderwood's historie 158G.
foi' Lothlane ; Johne Clapperton, ]Mr Thomas Stoiie, William
Balfour, Robert Futhie, Mr Archibald Dowglas, for Merce and
Tiviotdaill ; Mr Ninian M'Clemoquhan, James Dodds, and the
ministers of Quhitterne and Dumfreis, for Nithsdaill ; Johne Mac-
korne, Mr Peter Primerose, Johne Inglis, Mr David Mylne, Mr
Robert Wilkic, Mr William Strang, for Kyle, Carict, and Cun-
ninghame ; Mr Andrew Polwart, Mr Johne Hammiltoun, Mr Patrik
Scharp, Mr Patrik Davidsone, Mr David Wemes, Mr Johne
Davidsone, for Cliddisdaill, Renfrew, and Lennox ; and their
brethrein to report their processe and tryell to the nixt Assemblie,
where sentence may be pronounced, according to the qualities and
circumstances of the actioun ; and the same brethrein respective,
according to their countreis and towns, and be assessors to the
commissioners of their countreis ; and with the advice of their
presbytereis, in taiking tryell of persons presented to benefices, and
admitting of them, except in Fife, where there are appointed as-
sessors to the bishop, David Fergusone, Johne Dykes, Mr Adam
Mitchell, Johne lire, Mr Robert Wilkie, Mr James Wilkie, Mr
James Martine.
Tuiching moderators of presbytereis, whill farther order be tane,
it is agreed, that where the bishops and commissioners make their
residence, that in the saids presbytereis they sail be moderators,
except in Fife, where, by his Majestie's advice, Mr Robert Wilkie
is continued moderator of the Pi'esbyterie of St Andrewes, whill
the nixt synodall assemblie.
At the sute of the Assemblie, the king's Majestie's commissioners
have agreed, that the priviledge which the kirk had in the sessioun,
of two dayes in the weeke for calling their actiouns, sail be restored ;
and Johne Lindsey and Mr Johne Grahame to be ordinar awaiters
theron.
Siclyke agreed, with advice of the saids commissioners, that
James Mowat be solicitor for the kirk, if Mr George Mackcsonc
and he be agreed.
The Generall Assemblie giveth full power and commissioun to
their lovit brethrein, Mr Robert Pont, ]\Ir David Lindsey, Mr
i
i
1586.
OF THE KIEK OF SCOTLAND.
571
NIcoll Dagleish, Mr Walter Balcalquall, Mr Adam Johnstouiij
Johne Brand, his Majestie's ministers, with suche others nominated
in the commissioun givin for depriving beneficed ministers, &c.,
that sail happin to be present, to present unto his Majestic and
counsell the humble petitions, complaints, articles, and heeds de-
livered to them, and with all due reverence and humble obedience
crave his Majestie's answere therunto ; treat, conferre, and reasoun
therupon, and upon suche heeds and articles as sail be on his Ma-
jestie's behalfe, or by his commissioners propouned to them ; and
what heerin sail be proceeded to report to the nixt Generall As-
semblie of the kirk.
jVIinisters that are not provided to flockes, the commissioners
directed to the king sail travell, that they may be placed by advice
of the commissioners of the countrie and presbytereis.
THE ESTAT AND ORDER OF THE PRESBYTEREIS WITHIN THE
BOUNDS OF THE COMMISSIONERS, PRESENTED BY MY LORD CLERK
REGISTER, AND SETT DOUN BY HIS LORDSHIP's TRAVELLS, AT
REQUEIST OF THE KIRK.
ZETLiys:D.
Tlngwell
Fetlair
Burray
Nestinc:
Sandweeke
Fula
Aithsting
Dunrosenesse
Delting
Olaberry
Veisdaill
Rafuird
Statsta
Brassay
Crocekirk
Unst
Papa
Skerrels
Ballzesta
Crosse Kirk in
Sandsting
Quhytnesse
Northmaving
Vaus
Lunastring
Hammabo
Ornafirth
Sandncsse
Curnsburgh
Nesse in Zeli
St Colmes Kirk
Quhailsay
Fairc Yle
572
CALDERWOOD S HISTORIE
1586.
ORKNEY.
Kirkwall
Croce Kirk
WaUis
Kirk in Deirnesse
Scrownay
St Nicolas Kirk
Holme
Birsay
Ladie Croce Kirk in
Kassay
Stainhous
Weston
Farray
Inhallow
Schapinzay
Peter Kirk in
Weir
All in South
Strongay
Grim say
Ranaldsay
Ladie Kirk
Forray
St Andrewes
Peterkirk
St Colmes Kirk in
Evie
St Olaus Kirk
Sanda and North
Sandweek
Orphair
Ranaldsay
Flattay
Eandell
Burray
Marie Kirk
Eglissay
Harray
Papa Wester
Hoy
Firth
Ladie Kirk in
Ethay
Stronnesse
CATHNESSE.
Bervick
•
Robert Graham,
Week
Ardurnesse
Canesbie
Halkirk
Wattin
Lathroun
Ra
Olrick
Dunnet
Bonar
Far
Thurso
Skennand
SUTHERLAND.
Assent
Clyne
Laig
Kilmailyie
Greich
Kildonan
Dornoch
Loch
Rogairt
158G.
OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND.
573
ROSSE.
Mr Johne Ro.
Kincairdin
Brachtle
Suddie
Kilmure Easter
Durris
Kullicuddan
Colterne
Cummer
Cromartie
Arthure Feir
Alloway
Aplecroce
Urquhart
Eddertayne
Croy
Kilchrist
Roskene
Dallarace
Lochalschie
Dingwell
BoUeskine
Innernesse
Killernaine
Kinguse
Pette
Urray
Kincardin
Lundicht
Contane
Terbert
Corveth
Garloch
Alnesse
Skeir
Faimway
Kilmure Wester
Tayne
Baaven
Kynnettes
Logie Easter
Dacus
Kllmorack
Lymlair
Arbirtarf
Lochebrume
Fedderne
Rothymurcus
Kintaill
Logle Wester
Nig
Moy
Kirkmichaell
Newmakyle
Davy
Lochcarroun
Channomne of
Wardlaw
Bonoch
Rosmerkie
MURREY.
Mr Johne Keith.
Lagan
Forresse
Kynnedward
Dumneth
Dolesse
Rathven
Edincolyie
Auldeme
Rothesse
Alwesse
Urquhart
Botare
Name
Abdie
Keith
Glenmoreston
574
calderwood's historie
1586.
Ci'omdcll
Belly
Druniblait
EssiU
Glasse
Ryme
Aberloure
Forg
Ardlach
Urquhart
Essy
Moy
Elclieis
Raffort
Knockandoch
Kothcmay
Dyke
Abernethie
Carbrocli
Inneralloun
Spynie
Alter
Duthlll
Duppill
Langbryd
St Andrewes Kirk
Birney
Kirkmichaell
Ugstoim
Dunbennan
Inneraven
Pettinthuy
Drumdalgie
Elgin e
Kynnore
Murthlacke
Duffiis
Gartley
Achindore
Skandurstane
BAMFF.
Mr George Hay.
Rathven
Angus
Abirchirdoure
Cullen
Creichmond
Forglene
Alneth
Furvey
Methlyk
Kynnedward
Dundurch
Lumney
Fetter
Ordquhill
Tyre
Pettirugie
Innerkethney
Fordicc
Slains
Auchterleis
Innerburdyne
Fillorth
Lungley
Genivy
Forskeene
Eathin
Deir
Deskfurd
Allane
Tarves
Forglyne
Kintallarte
Crowden
TurrefF
Bamf
Aberloure
1580.
OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND.
575
ABERDEEN.
Mr Peter Bkkburne.
Logybuchan
Glentennore
Catterling
New Aberdeen
Keig
Rescobie
Peterculter
Temitie
Glenbervie
Kintore
Glennuke
Kilmore
Monkegy
Cuehine
Lochley
Premay
Tarlane
Keremure
Kynnathmont
Forbesse
Glames
Kincardinoneill
Garvock
Methy
Aufuird
Bervie
Kirkbudd
Bauchindore
Abirlichnot
Alder Aberdeen
TuUich
Buttergill
Devynnick
Tond
Lethnot
Dyce
Migve
Netherairle
Kynarny
Kynbethock
Dunloppy
Tarvesse
Dinnotter
Restennet
Une
Kynneth
Innerarate
Inchecolsalmond
Eccliscireio;
Balhelny
Clunie
Brechin
Banquhorie
Monymust
Stracathro
Durris
Birse
Kyncaldrum
Skene
Crathie
Edyew
Fyvie
Logymar
Forfar
Daviot
Glenbuchet
Essy
Clat
TuUinessell
Foverney
Lusannan
Fordoun
Nig
Lochinhill
Arbuthnet
Dilmaock
Strau'^hane
Fettercarne
Kinnellan
Abirgairdin
Ferniwell
Rothelay
Colquhoddilstane
Navar
Leslie
Kildrynnie
Abirlenno
Christ's Kirk
Keir
Clova
57G
CALDERWOOD's IIlSTOinE
1586.
Kynnetills
Fettirneir
Conveth
Cortoquhy
Midmair
Benholme
Monycabocli
Echt
Newdock
Marie Culter
Oboyn
Kinckstoun
Fintrie
Kyndrocht
Finnaven
Inneroure
Coule
Aldbar
Logyclurnoch
Innerauchte
Luntrethen
Kayne
Fetteresse
ANGUS AND MERNES
The Laird of Dun.
Tannaddes
Montrose
Kinnaird
Forteviot
Dunnytin
Aucliterhous
Tibbermure
Lownan
Nava
Methven
Kynnell
Kynfawnes
Trinitiegask
Logyclundie
Kilspindie
Guthre
Monyfuith
Abernethie
Menmure
Inchesture
Forgundine
Aberbrothe
Lundie
Rind
Dundie
Newtyle
Madertie
Myrrous
Kynnoule
Kethins
Foullis
Aldmelglnche
Eclishane
Abirnyte
Sanct Madoes
Inchabrooke
Logiealloway
Muncrief
Athe
Perth
Dunnyne
Abirlot
Cambusmichaell
Kintaill
Innergoury
Erroll
Colasse
Pambryd
Dunberny
Dun
Rossy
Ecclismagerdoull
Logymontrose
Teling
Aberdagie
Innerkeloure
Megle
Loncarde
Barray
Skoone
Findogask
Lyf
Rait
Edwe
Monykie
Drone
Maryton
1586.
OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND.
577
St Vigean's
Strickmartine
Poty
Majncs
Malar
Muckarsle
Balumby
St Martin's Kirk
Pitcarne
Langforgund
Inchemartine
Logarton
Banvie
DUNKELDEN.
Dunkelden
Kilmahug
Kyllin
Weyme
Cumre
Capeth
Dow
Auchtirardour
Glenylay
Muling
Creif
Kilmadocke
Eatray
Innerchadden
Leny
Benethy
Strowan
TuUicbettil
Monyde
Fossy
Monywaird
Port
Straphillan
Forthirgill
Balquhidder
Blair
Rannioch
Strogeich
Ruthven
Kirkmichaell
Foules
Kilbryde
Lundeif
Dowally
Callindreich
Clunie
Kilmavenock
Strowan
Kynclevin
GrantuUie
Abirruthven
Kincairdin
Ardewnane
Clunie
Abirfuill
Kargill
Lude
Muthill
Alicht
Logyrait
Monyzie
Dumblane
DUMBLANE.
James Andersone.
Stirline
Glendowen
TuUiebodie
St Ninian's Kirk,
and Fawkirk
Muckart
Kirk in Mure
Logie
Slamnnnan
Clackmannan
Larbar
Lecrope
VOL. IV.
2 o
578
calderwood's historie
1586.
Dunypace
Airth
Bothkennar
Tullyallan
Fossoquhy
Tullyboyle
Dolor
Alneth
TuUycultrie
Cambuskenneth
Kippan
FTFE.
St Andrewes
Wester Kinghorne
Monyraeill
Kilconquhar
Kinglasse
Amgosk
Kembeg
Sauling
Scony
Forgund
Innerkething
Dysart
Creich
Carnbie
Balllngry
Auchtennuchtie
Largo
Urnell
Lathrisk
Balmerinoth
Culrosse
Markinche
Kilmanie
Aberdoure
Auchintule
Flisk
Kilrynnie
Dumfermllne
Stramiglo
Seres
Cleish
Kirkaldie
Leuchars
Torrie
Weymes
Auchtermunsie
Baith
Auchterdiray
Kynessie
Carraill
Portmooke
Falkland or Kilgour
Abercnimble
Kamock
Kennoway
Dairsie
Ressyth
Kinghorne
Cowper
Anstruther
Lesle
Dunbug
Newburne
Kinrosse
Ebd
liOgymurcho
Crummie
Kirkforthie
Auchter
Dalgatie
Mathill
LOTHIAN.
Linlithquo
Castell of Edinburgh Pennycuik
Strabrocke
Hales
Clerkington
Bathcat
Mussilburgh
Cranstoun
Caldcleir
Glencorse
Bothans
1586.
OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND.
579
Gulane
Saltoun
Innerweeke
Tynninghame
Coldinghame
Horn den
Lanell and Simprin
Whitsone
Foulden
Carrlden
Ecclismachane
Livingstoun
Edinburgh
Duddingstoun
Katho
Natoun
Melvill
Monthlothiane
Crichton
Hadintoun
Morehame
Aberladie
Keithhumbie
Aldharastocks
Fentoun
Ayttoun
Fisheweek
Langtoun
Mordingtoun
Edrem
Bynnie
Kirklistoun
Abercorne
St Cuthbert's Kirk
Leith
Gogar
Libberton
Newbottle
Tempill
Ormestoun
St Martin's Kirk
Barro
Setoun
Keithmarshall
Coldbrandspeth
Quhytkirk
Lamberton
Piltoun
Fogo
Langformacus
Cranschawes
Kynneill
Dummenie
Adcathie
Corstorphine
Restalrig
Currie
Dalkeith
Cockpen
Borthwick
Fawla
Elstanefuird
Garvet
Tranent
Dumbar
Aldcannis
Aldhame
Hattoun
Chirneside
Polwart
EUem
Caldercults
Torphichin
Kirknewton
Halyrudhous
Cramond
St Katharin in
Hopes
Leswaid
Paintland
Caringtoun
Sowtra
Boltoun
Northberwick
Pencatland
Spott
Whittinghame
Basse
Swintoun
Bonkle and Prestoun
Dunce
St Cuthbert's
580
calderwood's historie
1586.
MERGE, TEVIOTDAILL, TWEDDAILL.
Kelso
Eckfuird
Stow
Edwine
Copcakeo
Lynden
Hown
Stobo
Graining
Eckles
Straling
Bedroule
Cassiden
St James Kirk
Weltouu
Essiltoun
Lintoun
Edletoun
Langnewton
Makcairstoun
Edlestoun
Rankilburne
Hume
Dawick
Oxnem
Smaillhame and
Lyne
Hopkirk
Merton
Lempitlaw
Suddora
Chlngilkirk
Mow
Innerletham
Selkirk
Greenlaw
Kirkwod
Jedburgh
Melrose
Glinquhume
Mynto
Bassinden
Mayzell
Hawick
Bowden
Zettam
Cassiltoun
New Kirk of Ettrick
Aldroxburgh
Tracquair
Nisbet
Gordoun
Drummalyer
Abbotsroule
Maxton
Kilbucho
Kirknewton
Lawder
Sprowstoun
Pebles and Maner
Lyllisleif
Marbottle
Newlands
Askirk
Nanetharnie
Bruchton
Ankrome
Stitchell
Lyntoun
Hassinden and Ca-
Ligerwod
vers
CLIDDISDAILL, RENFREW, AND LENNOX.
Lanerick
Bio-crar
OC3
Cathcart
Covington
Glasgow
Paisley
Symontoun
Dalyell
Inchechynnan
Lammintoun
Cambuslang
Kilmalcolme
1586.
OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND.
581
Bullull
Crawfurd Johne
Eistwod Merns
Fin trie
Weltstoun
Lochinzeoch
Kirkpatrik
Carmichaell
Dumbartan
Cumrie
Monkland
Eosneith
Baith
Hammiltoun
Drummone
Linden
Blantyre
Trwing Peirstoun
Carlaverock
Campsie
Kilwinning
Thankertone
Nebarchan
Kilburie
Wistoun
Ecclisharae
Stewarton
Culter
Innerkip
Libberton
Dowglas
Kilmahew
Roberton
Calder
Kilmaronnock
Ilartside
Strathaven
Inchecalyeour
Dolphintoun
Carmunnock and
Ardrossan
Stainhous
Torrenee
Dairy
Cambusnethan
Givven
Dreghome
Glasfurde
Neils
Cothquen
Rutherglen
Areskine
Carstairs
Monyabrocke
Killellan
Crawford Dowglas,
Renfrew
Luce
alias Crawfurd
Howston
Strablain
Lindsey
Cardrosse
Bothernock
Dunsire
Killerne
Kilbryd
Lesmahago
Balfrone
Steinsoun
Bothwell and Schotts Largus
Kilmares
Dalserfe
Dunlop
Pettynane
Kilbryd
Kilmarnock
Carnweth
Lunzie
KYLE, CARICT, AND CUNINGHAM.
Air
Rickerton
Symontoun
Gastoun
Kilbryde
Kirkcudbright, alias Glassertoun, in Kirk-
Innertig madin, in Fames
Inchesalsat AUoway
Kirkmadin in Rynnis Monktoun
Kirkmadin Uchiltrie
582
calderwood's historie
1586.
Dalrumplll
Girvan
Craigiltoun
Kirkoswald
Leswalt
Mochrum
Dalie
Whitterne
Craigie
Kirkcolme
Kirkennar
Corsbie
Wigtoun
Barneweill
Kirk of Mure
Sorbie
Dundonald
Maybole
Tarboltoun
Mauchline
Stratoun
St Kevock's and
Dalmelingtoun
Glenluce
Prestick
Commonell
Toscartoun
Auchinleck
Chaschent
Kirkcowane
Quiltoun
Stanykirk
Pennynghame
Kirkmichaell
GALLOWAY.
Johne Duncansone.
Kirkcudbright
Galloway
Dunrod
Tuynem
Tungland
Boig
Girton
Anweth
Kirkmabreck
Dundrennan
Buthill
Keltoun
Partoun and Dahy
Kellis
Balmaclellan
Terriglis
Newabbey
Halywod
Kirkunzeane
Kirkpatrik
Irnegray
Cowan
Carlaverock
Tynwell
Pempont
Tyrewyne
Durisdeir
Kirkonnell
Sanquhare
Closburne
Glencame
Lochmabane
Moffet
Warafra
Kirkmichaell
Trailflat
Mekle Daltoun
Little Daltoun
Muswald
Aplegirth
Drysdaill
Silbelly
Cummertreis
Hoddom
Luce
Ecclishame
MiddUly
Torry
Tonargirth
Gratney
Ridkirk, alias Kirk-
Mortoun
Watstraker
patrik
1586.
OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND.
583
Staplegreton
Balnagie
Kirkanders
Kirkdaill
Gelstoun and Kirk-
cormock
Dumfreis
Suddick
Klrkpatrik in the
Mure, alias Du-
rand
Torthorell
Kilbryd
Dalgarne
Kirkpatrik Juxta
Drumgrany
Ruthvell
Annand and Dronock
Pennersax
Kirkconnell
Wauchop
Allys
Kilchrist
Sandweek
Monygoif
Corraishaell
Troqueir
Lochranane
KJrkbane
Kirkmaho
Morton
Dunsteir
Johnstoun
Kirkwald
Hutton
Castlemilk
Trailrow
Carruthers
Cannabie
Over Kirk of Allys
In this Assemblie was first perceaved what feare and flatterie
of court could worke amongst weake and inconsiderat ministers.
Muche travell was taikin, by the king and courteours, to gett the
sentence of excommunicatioun of Mr Patrik Adamsone annulled.
The king's commissioners propouned to the moderator and asses-
sors, that the king would ather have the bishop in his owne estat
again, and the sentence annulled, or else there sould be no libertie
granted to the church. When, notwithstanding of these terrours,
the king's commissioners were not like to obteane their intent,
they sent to the Generall Assemblie for the commissioners of everie
province, and layed before them the same terrours. Some were
moved ; some, through ignorance, consented to the midds above
mentiouned. Mrs Robert Pont, NicoU Dagleish, Adam John-
ston, Johne Knox, Thomas Makgie, Andrew Mylne, Andrew Pol-
wart, Thomas Storie, Johne Spotswood, David Hume, Johne Clap-
perton, George Johnstoun, Johne Durie, disassented. The whole
Synod of Fife was removed in the meane tyme of the voting, and
manie commissioners absent. The Secretar, in presence of the
whole Assemblie, declared, that except this midds were embraced,
not onlie the whole discipline of the church sould be discharged,
584 calderwood's historie 1586.
but also the ministers' stipends ; and the bishop sould be sett up to
preache in Edinburgh, speeke in the contrarie who would. At
this Assemblie, likewise, the bishops reteanned some peece of pre-
eminence, by reasoun of the king's great importunitie. The wound
which the kirk had receaved was not as yitt fullie cured, notwith-
standing the banished lords were restored. Yitt did not this pre-
eminence endure lonir.
MR A. MELVILL WARDED.
Soone after the dissolving of the Assemblie, the act made in
favours of the bishop was intimated with sound of trumpet. Soone
after, Mr Andrew Melvill, and his nephew Mr James, were called
before the king and counsell. Mr James, becaus he was sicke of
a tertian fever, was sent backe to the coUedge : Mr Andrew,
under pretence to conferre with Jesuits, and to lucrifie them so
farre as in him lay, was wairded in Angus, Mernes, Perth, and
other parts in the North. The tenor of the act of Counsell heere
followeth : —
"At Halyrudhous, the 26th day of May, the yeere of God
1586 yeeres. — The king's Majestic and Lords of Secreit Counsell,
having consideratioun of the disordered estat of the Universitie of
St Andrewes, occasioned for the most part by the dissentioun
and diversitie betuixt Patrik Bishop of St Andrewes, and Mrs
Andrew and James Melvills, maisters of the New Colledge within
the same, their favourers and adherents, to the great slander of the
kirk, divisioun of the said universitie, and decay of learning, and all
vertuous exercise within the same, speciallic of Theologie, wherof
the said New Colledge was appointed to have been a seminarie
within this realme, albeit, by occasioun of the said diversitie and
variance, the ordinar professloun therof has beene discontinued thir
two yeeres bygane, to the great encouragement of the adversars of
the true and Christian rcligioun, and allurement of a great number
of Jesuits within the realme, for the evcrsioun therof, and the erec-
158G. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. tS5
tioun againe of antichristian Papistrie, condemned by God, and by
his Hienesse' lawes ; for repressing of whose practises, and contlnu-
ino; of the exercise of Theologie within the said universitie in the
meane tyme, his Hienesse, with advice forsaid, ordeans the said Mr
Andrew to passe immediatlie to Angus, Mernes, Perth, and other
parts in the north, where he may understand anie of the saids
Jesuits to be ; conferre with them, and travell so farre as in him
lyes, to reduce them to the true and Christian religioun presentlie
professed, and acknowledged by his Majestic and this whole realme ;
and incace he shall find them obstinat, to delate them to his Ma-
jegtie and his Secreit Counsell, to be tane order with according to
his Hienesse' lawes and acts of Parliament. Induring the which
tyme and travell, his Hienesse has dispensed, and by the tenour
heerof, dispenses with his ordinarie professioun and exercise with-
in the said New Colledge, and appoints the same to vaike untill his
returning ; commanding, in the meane time, the said Mr James to
attend upon his owne place, for the instructioun of the youth com-
mitted to his care and teaching, as he will ansAvere to God and his
Hienesse. And to the intent that the said exercise of Theologie
may be continued within that universitie, his Hienesse, with advice
foresaid, ordeans and commands the said bishop to teache weekelie
two lessouns of Theologie, within St Salvador's Colledge ; one upon
Tuisday, and another upon Thursday, everie weeke, beginning the
first Tuisday of Junie nixt, and so continuing, ay and whill his
Majestic take farther order theranent : And that but prejudice of
his ordinar preaching unto a particular flocke, wherunto he is
astricted by the late conference. And that letters be directed heer-
upon if need be, charging everie one of the said persons to doe ac-
cordinglie, as they will answereto his Majestic upon their obedience,
at their uttermost charge and perell. Extr actum ex libris actorum
Secreti Consihj, ])er me, Joannem Andro, clericum deputatum ejusdem,
sub meis sif/ne et suhscriptione manualihus.
" Joannes Andro."
Thus Satan strived mightilie to hold up his banner against the
580 calderwood's historie 1586.
kingdom of Christ. The unlversitie, wanting the benefite of Mr
Andrew's travells, sent a supplicatioun to the king for him, with
the Deane of Facultie and a maister of everie Colledge. The king
answered, if the bishop might live in quietnesse, and be reverentlie
used, licence sould be granted to him to returne. Wherupon Mr
James was directed to Mr Andrew, who returned ansvvere, that as
he had ever behaved himself, so he would in time to come, troub-
ling no man, but attending upon his owne calling. The king's
maister hawker, Johne Irwing, had solicited the king that Mr
Andrew be not releeved till his tacks were renewed. So, about
the beginning of August, Mr Andrew was brought to the king,
then resident in Falkland, by the Maister of Gray his moyen.
After long conference, the king receaved him in favour, and sent
him home to the Colledge ; but it behoved first Maister Hawker's
tacks to be subscribed. The king promised faithfullie to benefite
the Colledge twise als muche. So the winter following, it pleased
God so to assist Mr Andrew, that the theologues beganne to looke
in earnest and more narrowlie to the truthe both of doctrine and
discipline, and the bishop's faire shadowes and showes beganne to
vanishe. Manie were in doubt whether they sould heare the
bishop's sermons, seing he was both suspended and excommunicated
by the Synod. Yitt some for feare, others allured with his pleasant
utterance, heard him. But the sincerest sort, both of the toun and
universitie, repaired to the Colledge, and heard Mr Andrew Mel-
vill, and Mr Robert Bruce, whose mouth God opened at that
tyme.
MR ARCHIBALD DOWGLAS CLEANGED BY AN ASSISE.
Mr Archibald Dowglas, brother to the Laird of Whittingharae,
came out of England, where he had remained since the apprehend-
ing of the Erie of Mortoun. He was one of the cheefe actors
in the murther of the king's father. After his comming, which
was upon the 15th of Aprile, he was keeped in Mr Randall the
English ambassader's loodging tweutie dayes. He was accused
1586. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 587
before the Justice in the Tolbuith of Edinburgh for that horrible
murther. But by the moyen of Mr Randall and the Dowglasses,
he gott moyen to make his owne dittay, and to choose his owne as-
sise. Nothing was asked of him, but that wherof he was foreseene,
not that which the Erie of Morton himself deponed against him to
the ministrie. He was sent by Bothwell to the Erie of Morton, to
procure his consent to the murther. He went with the Erles of
Huntlie and Bothwell to the Kirk of Feild. But he was cleanged
by an assise, howbeit his owne man Binnie was hanged for the
fact.
A LEAGUE CONCLUDED.
Francis Erie of Bothwell, Robert Lord Boyd, and Sir James
Hume of Coldingknowes, Commissioners for the King of Scots ;
Edward Erie of Rutland, Lord William Evers, and Thomas Ran-
dall, Squire, Commissioners for the Queene of England, mett at
Berwick the 19th day of June, to conclude a league offensive and
defensive, which was confirmed upon the 5th of Julie. The articles
are sett doun at lenth in " Camdeni Annales.^'
AN ASSURANCE BETUIXT JOHNSTOUN AND MAXWELL.
Upon the 22d of June, the Secreit Counsell, at the king's di-
rectioun, caused an assurance to be taikin betuixt Johnstoun and
Maxwell, and betuixt Johnstoun and other barons of the west, to
indure, at least, the space of an yeere. A submissioun was made
by the parteis to some of the king's counsell, to decide their
querrells.
A C0N8PIRACIE AGAINST THE QUEENE AND COUNTRIE OP
ENGLAND DISCOVERED.
In the moneth of Julie, a dangerous conspiracie in England
against the queene and countrie was discovered. Johne Bailard,
588 calderwood's historie 1586.
a prcest of the Seminarie of Rhems, after he had travelled among
the Catholicks in England and Scotland, went in Lent bypast to
France, and there concluded with Bernadino de Mcndoza, the
Spanish ambassader resjant in Parise, Charles Padget and Thomas
Morgan, two English fugitives, (muche addicted to Queene Marie,J
for an invasioun to be made by forrane forces upon England. Be-
caus Mendoza could not be assured of assistance and convenient
landing, Bailard Avas sent backe to England about Whitsonetyde,
to in forme the English Catholicks, that his maister resolved to re-
forme England, or to lose Spalne, and had, for that purpose, in
readlnesse, great forces ; therefore willed them to prepare a factloun,
to give them landing and interteanment at their comming, other-
wise they would come as conquerours. He conferred at Londoun
about these maters with Antony Babingtoun, a Avittle and wealthie
young gentleman. This gentleman was putt in hope of preferment
by the Scottish queene, when he was latelie in France, by Thomas
Morgan and the Bishop of Glasgow. They commended him by
letters to the Scottish queene. When he returned to England, she
saluted him favourablle by her letters. After that tyme, Morgan
sent letters by him to her, till she was committed to the custodie
of Amias Powlet. Bablngton confering with Bailard, said, that in
his judgement the invasioun would take no effect, so long as Queene
Elizabeth lived. Bailard replyed, that Johne Savage, through the
perswasioun of William G IfFord, an English fugitive, and Reader of
DIvinitle in the English Seminarie at Rhems, had vowed and
sworne to kill her. Bablngton rejoyned, that it was not good to
committ a mater of suche importance to one, but to six resolut gen-
tlemen, of which number Savage might be one, for performance of
his vow. Whereupon Babington tooke a new course for invasioun,
and resolved with Bailard and others, upon three princlpall points ;
first, that the invaders sould be assisted by a readlnesse in the peo-
ple to rebell in diverse places, and to joyne with them at their first
landing ; nixt, that the queene sould be murthered by six resolute
gentlemen ; thridlle, that the Scotish queene sould be sett at
libertie, and advanced to the crowne. Babington made choice of
1586. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 589
these six gentlemen, and of others who sould joyne with the for-
rane forces at their invasioun. He himself resolved, upon the
assurance of her death, or arrivall of the forrainers, to proclame the
Scotish queene, Queene of England. In the meane tyme, Queene
Marie blamed him gentlie for his long silence, and willed him to
send her the packet sent from Morgan, and deliver it to the Frenche
ambassader's secretarie ; which he did. By this same messinger
he sent a letter of his owne, wherin he excused his silence, and
made knowne to her what he had resolved with Bailard, to witt,
that six gentlemen were appointed to kill the queene ; that him-
self, accompanied with an hundreth others, Avould deliver her. He
shewed how necessary it was that rewairds be promised to the
cheefe actors, and to their posteritie, if they sould failein executioun.
Unto these his letters answere was made by her the 27th of Julie,
and sent to him, with a new alphabet in cipher, to be used betuixt
them from that tyme furth.
THE SCOTISH QUEEN'S LETTER TO BABINGTOlSr, THE 27tH OF JULIE.
" Trustie and weil-beloved. — According to the zeale and inteere
affectioun which I have knowne in you toward the commoun cans
of religioun and myne, having alwayes madeaccompt of you as of a
principall and right worthie member, to be imployed in the one and
the other, it hath beene no lesse consolatioun to me to understand
your estat, as I have done by your last letter, and to have found
means to renew my intelligence with you, than I felt greefe all the
while past to be without the same. I pray you, therefore, from
hencefurth, write unto me als oft as yee can, of all occurrences
which you may judge anie way important to the good of our effairs,
Avherunto I sail not faile to correspond, with all the care and dili-
gence that sail be in my possibilitie.
"For diverse great and important consideratiouns, which were
heere too long to be deduced, I cannot but greatlie commend your
commoun desire, to prevent in tyme the designement of our enemeis
for the extirpatioun of religioun out of this realme, with the ruine
590 calderwood's historie 158G.
of us all. For I have longr agoe shewed to the forrane Catholick
princes, (and experience doeth prove,) that the longer they and we
delay to putt hand on the mater, on this side, the greater leasure
have our said enemeis to prevailc, and wonne advantage over the
said princes, as they have done against the King of Spaine ; and,
in the meane tynie, the Catholicks remaining heere exposed to all
sorts of persecutioun and crueltie, doe daylie diminish in number,
forces, meanes, and power; so as if remedie be not therunto haistilie
provided, I feare not a little that they sail become altogether un-
able to rise again, and to receave anie aide at all, whensoever it
were offered them. For my owne part, I pray you, assure our
princlpall frelnds, that albeit I had not in this cans anie particular
interest, (which I ought pretend unto, being of no consideration
unto me, in respect of the publict good of this estat,) I sail he
therin most willing and readie to imploy my life, and all that 1
have, or may ever looke for in this world.
" Now, for to ground substantiallie this interprise, and to bring it
to a good successe, you must first examine deepelie what forces, als
Weill on foot as on hors, you may raise amongst you all, and what
captans you sail appoint for them in everie shire, in cace a cheefe
generall cannot be had. 2. Of what touns, ports, and havens^ you
may assure your self, als weill in the north-west as in the south, to
receave succours from the Low Countreis, Spaine, and France. 3.
What place you thinke fittest and of greatest advantage to as-
semble ; whether, and which way yee have to marche. 4. What
forrane forces, als weill on hors as on foote, you require, (which
would be compassed according to the proportioun of yours,) for
how long pay and munitioun ; and ports fittest for their landing in
this realme, from the three foresaid forrane countreis and princes.
5. What provisioun of money and armour, in cace of want, you
would aske. 6. By what meanes the six gentlemen deliberat to
proceed. 7. And the maner also of my getting furth of this hold.
"Upon which points having taikin amonst you (who are the priu-
cipall actors, and also als few in number as yee can) the best resolu-
tion, my advice is, that you impart the same to Bernardino de Men-
1586. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 591
doza, ambassader lieger for the King of Spaine, in France, who, be-
sides the experience he hath of the estat of this side, I may assure
you, will imploy him therein most willinglie. I sail not faile to write
"with him of the mater, with all the earnest commendatiouns I
can, as I sail, to anie ellis that sail be needfull. But you must
make choice, for the menaging of this effaire, (with the said Men-
doza, and others out of the realme,) of some faithfuU and verie se-
creit personages, unto whom only you must committ your selves,
to the end things may be more secreit ; which, for your owne se-
curitie, I commend to you, above the rest. If your messinger
bring you backe again sure promise, and sufficient assurance of the
succour you demand, then, therafter, (but no sooner, for that were
in vaine,) take diligent order, that all these of your part on this
side make als secreit as they can, provisioun of armour, fitt hors,
and readie money, wherewith to hold themselves in a readlnesse to
marche, als soone as it sail be signified unto them by their cheefe
and principal in everie shire. And for the better colouring of the
mater, (reserving to the principall the knowledge of the inter-
prise,) it sail be eneugh, for the beginning, to give out to the rest,
that the said provisiouns are made only for fortifeing your selves, in
cace of need, against the Puritans of this realme ; the principall
whereof, having the cheefe forces of the same in the Low Countreis,
have (as yee may let the brute goe) designed to ruine and over-
throw (at his returne home) the whole Catholicks, and to usurpe
the crowne, not onlie against me, and all other lawfull pretenders
therunto, but against their owne queene that now is, if she will not
altogether committ her self to their onlie government. ' The same
pretexts may serve to found and establishe among you all an asso-
ciatioun, and confederatioun generall, as done onlie for your just
preservatioun and defence, als weill in religioun as lives, lands,
and goods, against the oppressioun and attempts of the said Puri-
' The Earl of Leicester, now Captain- General of the Low Countries, and com-
mander of the English forces there. His intrigues with the Puritan party, of which
he was at one time the ostensible head, are sufficiently known to every reader of
history.
592 calderwood's historie 1586.
tans, without tulching directlie, by wryttlng, anie thing against the
queene, but shewing your selves willing to mainteane her, and her
lawfull heyres after her, unnaming me. The effairs being thus
prepared, and forces in a readinesse, both without and within the
realme, then sail it be tyme to sett the six gentlemen to workc,
talking order, upon the accomplishement of the designement, I may
suddanlic be transported out of this place ; and that all your forces
be in the feild to meete me, in tareing for the arrivall of the for-
raine aide, which then must be hastenned with all diligence.
"Now, for that there can be no certane day appointed for the ac-
complishement of the said six gentlemen's designement, to the end
that others may be in a readinesse to take me from hence, I would
the said gentlemen had alwayes about them at the court, at the
least, foure stout men, furnished with good and speedie horses ;
for so soone as the said designement sail be executed, to come with
all diligence, to advertise therof these that sail be appointed for
my transporting, to the end that immediatlie therafter they may
be at the place of my abode, before my keeper can have advertise-
ment of the executioun of the said designement ; or, at the least,
before he can fortifie himself within the hous, or carie me out of
the same, it were necessar to dispatche two or three of the said
advertisers, by diverse wayes, to the end that if the one were
stayed, the other sould come through ; and at the same instant,
were it also needfull, to cutt off the posts' ordinarie wayes.
" This is the plott which I find best for this interprise, and the
order whereby yee sail conduct the same to our commoun securiteis ;
for stirring on this side, before you are weill assured of sufficient
forrane forces, it were but for nothing, but to putt your selves in
danger of foUowino; of the miserable fortune of others of suche as
heeretofore have travelled in the like actiouns. And to take me
furth of this place, not being before assured to putt me in the
middest of a good armie, or one some verie good strenth, where I
may safelie stay on the assemblie of your forces, and arrivall of the
said forrane succours, it were sufficient cans givin to that queen, in
catching me again, to enclose me for ever in some hold, furth of
158G. OF THE KIKK OF SCOTLAND. 593
which I sould never escape, if she did use me no worse ; and to
pursue with all extremitie all these that had assisted me ; which
would greeve me more than all the unhapps which may follow upon
my self. And, therefore, must I needs yitt once again admonishe
you so earnesthe as^I can, to looke and take heed most carefullie
and most vigilantlie to compasse and assure so weill all that sail be
necessarie for the effectuating for the said interprise, as with the
grace of God you may bring the same to happie end : remitting to
the judgement of your principall freinds in this side, with whom
yee are to deale heerin, to ordeane to conclude upon this present,
which sail serve you onlie for an overture and a propositioun, as
you sail amongst you find best. And to your self, in particular, I
referre to assure the gentlemen above mentioned, of all that sail be
requisite of my part, for the inteir executioun of their good wills.
I leave also to your commoun resolutiouns to advise, (in cace their
designement doe not hold, as may happin,) whether you will or not
persue my transport, and the executioun of the rest of the inter-
prise. But if the mishappe sould fall out, that you might not come
by me, being sett in the Towre of Londoun, or in anie other
strenth with greater guarde, yitt, notwithstanding, leave not, for
God's sake, to proceed in the rest of the interprise ; for I sail at
anie tyme dee most contented, understanding of your deliverie
furth out of this servitude wherin you are holdin as slaves. I sail
assay, that at the same tyme the worke sail be in hand in these
parts to make the Catholicks of Scotland to arise and to putt my
Sonne into their hands, to the effect that from thence our enemeis
heere may not prevaile of anie succour. I would also that some
stirring in Ireland were laboured for, and to beginne some while
before anie thing were done heere, to the end that the alarme might
be givin thereby in the flatt contrarie side that the stroke sould
come from.
" For your reasouns to have some generall or cheefe, me thinketh,
are verie pertinent to the mater ; and therefore were it good to
sound obscurelie, for the purpose, the Erie of Arrandaill, or some
of his brethrein ; and likewise, to sticke upon the young Erie of
VOL. IV. 2 r
594 calderwood's histokie 1586.
Northumberland, if he be at libertie. From over sea, the Erie of
Westmerland may be had, whose hous and name may doe muche,
you know, in the north parts ; as also the Lord of Padget, of good
abilitie in some shires therabout ; both the one and the other may
be bi'ought home sccrectlie, among Avhich some of the principall
banished may returne, if the interprise be once resolute. The Lord
Padget is now in Spaine, and may treate there all which, by his
brother Charles, or directlie by himself, you will committ unto him
tuiching these efFaires. Beware that none of your messingers whom
you send furth of the realme carie over anie letters upon them
selves, but make their dispatche to be convoyed before or after
them by some others.
" Take heed of spyes and false brethrein that are amongst you,
especiallie some preests, alreadie practised by our enemeis for your
discoverie ; and in anie wise, keepe never a paper about you that
may hurt you ; for, from like errours have come thereby condem-
natioun against all suche as have suffered heeretofore, against whom
could there otherwise be proved nothing. Discover als little as
yee can your names and intentions to the Frenche ambassader,
now resjant at Londoun ; for although he be, as I understand, a
gentle man of good conscience and religioun, yitt I feare that his
maister interteaneth with the queene a course farre contrarie to our
designement, which might move him to crosse us, if it sould so
happin that he had anie particular knowledge therof.
" All this while past I have sued to change and remove from this
place, and for answere, onlie the Castell of Dudley was named, to
serve the turne. So as, by appearance, within the end of this sum-
mer I may goe thither. Wherefore, advise, als soone as I sail be
there, what provisioun may be had about that part -for my escape
there hence. If I stay heere, there is but one of these three wayes
to be looked for that purpose : The First, — one day appointed for
my walking abroad on horse back, in the moores betuixt this and
Stafford, where ordinarilie, you know, that verie few people doe
passe, fiftie or threescore men horsed and armed come to take me
away there, as they may easille doe, my keeper having ordinarilie
1586. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 595
with liim but eighteene or twentie horsemen, with their dags. The
Secund meane is, to come at midnight, or soone after, to sett fire
in the barns and stables, which, you know, are neere to the hous ;
and while my guardian his servants runne furth to quenche the fire,
your companie having everie one a marke whereby they might
know one another under night, might surprise the hous, where, I
hope, with few servants that I have about me, I were able to give
you correspondence. And the Thrid, — Some that bring carts
thither ordinarilie come earelie in the morning ; their carts might
be so prepared, and with suche cart leaders, that being just in the
middest of the gate, the cart might fall doun or overwhelme, and
you might come suddanlie with some followers, and make your
selves maisters of the hous, and carie me away. So might you doe
easilie, before anie number of souldiours, who loodge in sindrie
places abroad out of this place, some half a myle, some a whole
myle off, might come to releeve. Whatsoever issue the mater tak-
eth, I doe thinke my self obliged unto you als long as I live, for
your offers you make to hazard your selves, as you doe, for my de-
liverie ; and by all the meanes that ever I may have, I sail doe my
endeavoure, and recognise by effects your deserts heerin. I have
commanded a more ample alphabet to be made for you, which
heerewith you will receave. God Almightie have you in protec-
tioun. — Your most assured freind for ever.
" Faile not to burne this present quickelie."
Confessed to be a true copie, by Babingtoun, her two seeretars,
Naue and Curie.
BABINGTON AND THE QUEENE OF SCOTS APPREHENDED.
Babington wrote for answere, that so soone as resolutioun were
fullie taikin with Mendoza, he Avould informe her farther. He had
gathered about him alreadie certane gentlemen inflammed with the
zeale of the Roman religioun ; Edward Winsore, brother to the
Lord Winsore, Thomas Salisburie, Charles Kilmey, Gideon Titche-
burnc, Edward Abingtoun, Robert Gudge, Johnc Travers, Johne
596 calderwood's historie 158G.
Charnock, Johne Johns, Barnwell, Henrie Din, and the for-
named Savage. Polly, a man weill acquainted with the efFaires
of the Scotish queene, insinuated himself into their societie. It
was thought that he reveeled daylie their purposes to Sir Francis
Walsinghame. The conspiratours conferre often upon their pur-
poses. Bablngton and Ballard easilie enduced so manie as were
sufficient to kill the queene. Some tymes they commended the
valour of the nobles of Scotland, who had latelie intercepted the
king at Stirline ; and of the Burgonian that killed the Prince of
Orange. Babingtoun, fearing that the promise of forrane forces
might faile, resolved to goe to France, and to send Bailard, the
preest, before him for their purpose. He had procured, for money,
license for his passage, under a counterfoot name. He insinuated
himself by Polly to Sir Francis Walsinghame, and laboured ear-
nestlie with him to entreate for the queen's licence for his passage
to France, promising to discover the secreit attempts of suche as
were fugitives for the Scotish queene, mynding nothing lesse. The
Secretar commended his purpose, and not onlie promised to procure
him licence to travell, but also riche rewards. Yitt he held him in
suspense, being before made acquaint with their intentions, by the
discoverie of Gilbert Giffard, a preest. This preest, troubled in
conscience, or corrupted with money, had declared to the secretarie
for what purpose he was sent to England, and promised to com-
municat to him all the letters which he receaved, ather from the
fugitives, or from the Scotish queene ; which he did. The letters,
when they were sent to the secretarie, were opened, copied, and
sealed again so artificiallie, that no man could perceave they were
opened ; and then were sent to the parteis to whom they were di-
rected to. Queen Elizabeth, understanding what danger and tem-
pest was hanging over her head, to interrupt farther proceeding
commanded to apprehend Bailard. He was unawars apprehended
in the verie niok, when he was readie to depart to France, and for
the tyme in Babington's hous. Babington advised with Titche-
burne what to doe, and thought best to send Savage and Char-
nock presentlie to kill the queene, but presentlie changed his minde.
1586. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 597
Babington and his complices being declared trators, and the coun-
trie searched for them, at the last they were apprehended. All
this tyme the Scotish queen and her servants were straitlie keeped
and watched by Sir Amias Powlet, that these things came not to
their knowledge, howbeit knowne over all England. Then Sir
Thomas Gorge was sent to her, to acquaint her with these things,
which he did, as she was going to ryde a hunting. She was not
suffered to returne, but was caried about to noblemen's houses, un-
der show of honour. In the meane tyme, some were sent with
commissioun from the queene, to committ Nave and Curie, her se-
cretars, and other servants, to keepers, that they might not con-
ferre together, nor with the Scotish queene. They brake up the
chamber doores, tooke all kists and boxes wherin they found let-
ters, and sent them sealed with their scales to the court. When
the packets were opened before the queene, letters of manie for-
rainers were found, and copcis of letters to others, and about sixtie
tables of secreit characters, and some letters from certane noble
men of Enfrland.
THE EXAMINATION OF THE SCOTISH QUEEN AND HER SECRETAREIS.
Upon the 13th of September seven of the conspiratours were
condemned of treasoun ; other seven the nixt day. Upon the 21st
of September the first seven were hanged and quartered ; the rest
the day following. After this executioun, Nave, a Frenche man,
Curie, a Scot, secretareis to the Scotish queene, were examined
upon the letters that were found in the boxes and kists. They
confessed the handwrittings were their owne ; that they were
dytted in Frenche by the queene, writtin by Nave, turned in Eng-
lish by Curie. Queen Elizabeth was earnestlie counselled, by sin-
drie of her nobilitie, to take order in tyme for inquisitioun and
examinatioun of these dangerous interprises intended against her
and the realme by the Scotish queene. Yitt was Queen Elizabeth
unwilling to proceed against her, in respect of her birth and estat,
by indytement and arraignement, by ordinarie jureis, according to
the commoun lawes of the realme ; but for her owne credit was
598 caldekwood's historie 1586.
advised to proceed in the most honourable sort could be devised
within the realme. Wherupon, by commissioun under the great
scale of England, [she] named and appointed all the lords and
others of her privie counsell, a number of erles and barons, lords
of parliament of the greatest degree- and most ancient nobilitie,
and certan of the prin'cipall judges of the Courts of Record at
Westminster, amounting in the whole to the number of fourtie-
seven, to examine all things compassed and imagined tending to
the hurt of her persoun, als weill by the said Queen of Scots
as by anie other, by her privitie, and all the circumstances therof ;
to give sentence or judgement as upon good prooffe the mater
sould appeare unto them. This commissioun was dated the 6th
of October. Of this number conveenned threttie-six at the Cas-
tell of Fotheringhame, and heard at large what she could say
for her defence. Wherupon, afterward, upon the 25th of Oc-
tober, they gave their sentence and judgement as foUoweth : —
" That after the first day of June, in the twentie-seven yeere of
our raigne, and before the date of our said commissioun, diverse
things were compassed and imagined within this realme of Eng-
land, by Antonie Babington and others, with the privitie of the
said Marie, pretending title to the crowne of this realme of Eng-
land, tending to the hurt, death, and destructioun of our royall per-
soun, contrare to the forme of the said statute : which sentence and
judgement the same lords and commissioners have, with one full
consent, caused to be putt in writt, and duelie engrossed, with the
whole processe of their proceedings therunto belonging ; and have
subscribed the same with their hands, as by a record therof showed
to us more fuUie and largelie did appeare."
Not long after, there was a parliament holdin at Westminster,
wherin the estats approved the former 'sentence pronounced against
the Queen of Scotland, and sent the Chancellor to Queen Elizabeth,
to beseeche her that the said sentence might be published, and
suche further direction givin as was requisit in so weightie a cans.
Master Serjant Puckering, Speeker of the Lower House, had a
speeche to her in her presence chambei', at liichmont, the 20th of
November, wlierln he layed opin the dangers which might ensue to
1586. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 599
her person and to her realme from the Scotish queene and her ad-
herents, if remedle be not provided. The queen requeisted them
to deliberat again upon so weightie a mater, and devise some reme-
die, whereby the life of the Scotish queene might be spaired, and
her securitie provided. After sindrie consultatiouns, they resolved
that they could find no other meane nor that which was conteaned
in their former petitioun.
A SUMMARIE REPORT OF THE SECUND SPEECHE UTTERED BY THE
SPEEKER OF THE LOWER HOUS, BY DIRECTIOUN OF ALL THE
COMMOUNS.
That if her Majestic sould be safe, without taiking away the life
of the Scotish queene, the same were most likelie and probabKe to
grow by one of these meanes following : 1. That happilie she might
be reclamed, and become a repentant convert, agnizing her Majes-
tie's great mercie and favours, in remitting her haynous offence,
and by her loyaltie heerafter performe the fruicts of such conver-
sioun. 2. Or ellis, by a more strait guarde, be so keeped, as there
sould be no feare of the like attempts heerafter. 3. Or that good
assurance might be givin by oath, bands, or hostages, as cautioun
for her good and loy all demeanour from henceftirth. 4. Or, lastHe,
by banishment, the realme might be voided of her persoun, and there-
by the perrells farther removed that grow to her Majestic by her
presence.
The moments wherof being duelie pondered, did yitt appeare so
light in all their judgements, that they durst not advise any secu-
ritie to rest in anie, no, not in all of them. For, tuiching her con-
versioun, it was considered that i£ pietie or duetie could have re-
strained her from such haynous attempts, there was caus abun-
dantlie ministred unto her, on her Majestie's behalfe, when she
not onlie protected her against the violence of her owne subjects,
who persued her to death by justice, but covered her honour, when
the same by publict fame was tuiched, and by verie haynous and
capitall crimes, objected and proved against her before certane
commissarie delegats assigned to examine the same, more than
600 calderwood's historie 1586.
blemished ; and spaired her life, when, for her former conspiraceis
and confederaceis with the northerne rebells, her Hienesse was,
with great instance, pressed by both the houses, in the 14th yeere
of her Majestie's raigne, to doe like justice upon her as now is de-
sired, and as her treasonable practises then had most justlie de-
served. And where, the penaltie of this act sufficientlie notified
unto her sould have terrified her from so wicked attempts, she
hath, neverthelesse, insisted in her former practises, as a person ob-
dured in malice against her Majestic, and irrecoverable : so as
there was no probable hope of anie conversioun, but rather great
doubt and feare of relapse and recidivatioun, forasmuche as she
stood obstinatlie in the denyall of a mater most evidentlie proved,
and now most justlie sentenced against her, and was not entered
into the first part of repentance, the recognitioun of her offence,
and so muche farther off from the true fruicts that sould accom-
panie the same.
As for a surer guard, and more strait imprissounment, it was
resolved that there was no securitie therin, nor yitt in the other
two meanes propouned of bands and hostages ; forasmuche as the
same meanes that sould be practised to take her Majestie's life
away, (which God forbid,) would aptlie serve for the deliverie of
her persoun, and release of the bands and hostages that sould be
givin for cautiouns in that behalfe : which, being unhappilie
atchieved, and to our irreparable losse, who sould sue the bands, or
deteane the hostages ? or, being deteaned, what proportioun was
there in bonds or hostages whatsoever, to countervalue the value of
so pretious and inestimable a Jewell as her Majestic is to this
realme, and to us all ? But she will solemnelie vow and take an
oath, that she will not attempt anie thing to the hurt of her Majes-
tie's persoun. She hath alreadie, sindrie tymes, falsified her word,
her writting, and her oath, and holdeth it for an article of religioun,
that faith is not to b eholdin with hereticks, of which sort she compt-
eth your Majestic, and all the professors of the Gospell to be ;
and therefore have we little reasoun to trust her in that wherof she
maketh so small a conscience. As for banishment, that were a
steppe a mala ad prjus, to sett her at libertie, a thing so greatlie
158(). OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 001
desired and thirsted for by her adherents, and by some princes, her
alleyes, who sought her enlargement, cheefelie to make her a head,
to be sett up against her Majestie in tyme of invasioun.
To the which were added some few reasouns collected out of her
owne letters, and the confessioun of Babingtoun, her instrument
and conspiratour, by which appeared how her owne conscience
bewrayed what might justlie fall upon her, incace anie of her in-
tended designements come to light : that she might happilie be
shutt up in some more strict and closse prisoun, as the Towre of
Londoun, if there befell her no worse thing ; and in that she di-
rected Babington, incace he failed in the actioun of her deliverie,
that he sould neverthelesse proceed in the residue, which was the
death of her Majestie; who also confessed, that upon assurance of
her Majestie's death, or the arrivall of strangers, he intended to
proclame the Queene of Scots, and made no doubt of the desired
successe. And, therefore, her Majestie's death being so earnestlie
sought for advancement of this competitour, her Hienesse could
not remaine in quietnesse or securitie, if the Scotish queene sould
longer continue her life.
THE queen's ANSW^ERE.
The queene, in her secund answere, after sindrie speeches, endeth
thus : — " And now for your petitioun, I sail pray you for this pre-
sent to content your selves with an answere without answere. Your
judgement I condemne not, nather doe I mistake your reasons ;
but pray you to accept my thankeftilnesse, excuse my doubtfulnesse,
and take in good part my answere answerlesse, wherin I attribute
not so muche to my owne judgement, but that I thinke manie par-
ticular persons may goe before me, though, by my degree, I goe
before them. Therefore, if I sould say, I would not doe what you
requeist, it might peradventure be more than I thought ; and to
say I would doe it, might perhaps breed perrell of that you labour
to preserve, being more than, in your owne wisdoms and discre-
tiouns, would seeme convenient, circumstances of place and tyme
being duelie considered." The sentence givin against the Scotish
C02 calderwood's historie 1586.
queene was proclaraed with great solemnitie at Londoun, the sixt
day of December.
INTREATIE FOR FAVOUR TO THE QUEENE OF SCOTS.
In the meane tyme, the king sent Sir William Keith to the
Queene of England, to treate for favour to his mother ; and after
him, upon the 7th of December, the Maister of Gray and Sir Eo-
bert Melvill. Mr Archibald Dowglas, brother to the Laird of
Whittingham, cleanged by an assise of his part in the murther of
the king's father, was sent in ambassadge to the Queen of Eng-
land in September, and had full audience at the court then remain-
ing at Winsore. For Avhat purpose he was sent, it was not weill
knowne. The King of France sent likewise an ambassader to the
Queen of England, to intreat her favour to the Scotish queene, and
to lay furth the dangers which might ensue upon severitie. But
her weill-afFected subjects continuallie urge executioun of justice,
both for her and their owne securitie. Patrik, Maister of Gray,
did oftin inculcat to the Queene of England the old saying,
" Mortui non mordent" that is. The dead byte not, or are not able
to revenge ; for which speeches and other practises he was, after
his retvarning, accused, but slightlie, as we sail see in the progresse
of the historie.
A TAXATIOUN GRANTED.
Upon the 18th of September there was a conventioun of the
estats. At this conventioun was granted a taxatioun of fifteene
thowsand punds, for reeking^ out an ordinarie force of horsemen
and footemen, to await upon the Lieutenant, Erie of Angus, in the
borders, for repressing of theevcs at least, as was pretended.
' Furnishing.
1586. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 603
MAXWELL CHARGED TO COMPEERE.
About this tyme, Johne Lord Maxwell was charged to com-
peere before the king and counsel! upon the 10th of November, to
be tryed what obedience he would promise in name of his owne
tennents. He excused his non-corapearance by a tryst which he
had appointed with an English nobleman. His compeerance was
continued till the 27th day, at the Lord Hammilton's requeist.
THE SYNOD OF MERGE.
In the Synod of Merce, Tiviotdaill, and Tweddail, holdin at
Lawder the 12th of October, it was enacted as folio weth :
" Forasmuche as there is rissin a heavie and great slander, not
onlie through manie parts of Scotland, but also amongst diverse
reformed kirks in forrane natiouns, that we that are of the mini-
strie of Scotland are divided in opiniouils tuiching the true policie
and governement of the hous of God ; which is spread and in-
creassed, by subscribing of a letter, presented by the king's Majes-
tic to a number of us of the ministrie, and by mistaiking of the simple
and sincere meaning of the subscribers of the same : Therefore we,
the whole brethrein conveenned in this present synod, doe manifest
and publishe to the whole world, that amongst us there is no differ-
ence nor diversitie of opiniouns tuiching the policie and governement
of the hous of God : but doe fullie agree that the same is the right
governement of his hous, agreeing Avith the blessed institutioun of his
Sonne, the onlie Head of the same, which hath beene exercised in
Scotland by ministers, elders, and deacouns, particular assembleis of
kirks, presbytereis, Provinciall and Generall Assembleis, as was be-
fore May 1584 yeeres. The true and plaine meaning of us of the mi-
nistrie that subscribed the letter, was onlie an obligatioun of obe-
dience to the king's Majestic, and so manie of his Hienesse' lawes
as were agreeable to the Word of God allanerlie, according to his
Majestie's owne declaratioun to us by word and writt, (that his
(504 calderwood's historie 1586.
Hienessc would presse us no farther,) before the said subscrip-
tioun ; no wise allowing of that tyrannicall supremacie of bishops
and archbishops over ministers, and their lawes, which directlie re-
pugne to the law of God ; as namelie, the 2d, 4th, 5th, and 20th
acts of Parliament, holdin in Edinburgh the foresaid yeere ; as
also the act of annulling of Mr Robert Montgomrie his excommu-
nicatioun, or anie other act made to the like effect. But that we
that subscribed, and they that did not subscribe, and they as we,
in unitie of opiniouns and mindes, declare our miscontentment and
mislyking of the said act of tyrannicall supremacie; and, therefore,
will men charitablie to esteem and judge of us all, as united and faith-
fullie knitt together to the carefull building of the hous of God. And,
therefore, this present assemblie ordeanneth everie presbyterie to
take order for the publicatioun of this act, as they sail thinke expe-
dient, and as may serve to edificatioun, and removing of the slaunder
where it is most spread ; and farther, that none inveyghe against
other publictlie or privatlie, in the pulpit or at table, directlie or
indirectlie, tuiching the pi'emisses. Which if they doe, the samine
being tryed by the presbyterie, the persoim found guiltie sail be
suspended from all functioun of the ministrie, till farther order be
tane theranent by the Synod or Generall Assemblie.
{Sic subscribitu?')
" Mr Johne Knox, Moderator ; Mr Andrew Clayhills, Minister
of Jedburgh ; Mr James Betoun, Minister at Roxburgh ;
William Balfour, Minister of Kelso ; Mr Thomas Storie,
Minister at Foulden ; Robert Hislope, Minister at Whit-
some; Mr Robert Ker, Minister at Marbottle ; Mr Archi-
bald Dowglas, Minister at Maner ; Mathew Riddell, Mini-
ster at St Bothan's ; Adam Dickesone, Minister at Peebles ;
William Sinclair, Minister at Prestoun ; William Carraill,
Minister at Edrem ; David Hume, Minister at Colding-
hame ; Duncan Waker, Minister at Bassenden ; Mr Wil-
liam Methven, Minister at Langtoun ; Mr James Daes,
Minister at Essiltoun ; Mr Johne Spotswod, Minister at *
158G. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 605
* * ; Alexander Lawder, Minister at Lawder ; Andrew
Winchester, Minister at Hiltoun ; Johne Smith, Minister
at Selkirk ; Mr Johne Hume, Minister at * * * ;
Johne Lightbodie, Keader at * * * ; Thomas Dun-
cansone. Minister at Boltoun ; George Johnstoun, Minister
at Ankrome ; Robert Alane, Minister at Newlands ; Mr
Archibald Dowglas, Minister at Kirkurd ; Thomas Bisset,
Minister at Drummalyer ; Mr William Auchinmowtie, Mi-
nister at Hawick ; Johne Clapperton, Minister at LenneU ;
James Mitchell, Minister at Stow."
JUSTICE COURTS.
Upon the * * day of December, Johne Lord Hammiltoun
obteanned a commissioun to hold courts in Kirkcudbright. He
hanged twelve theeves, warded threescore, and brought the Laird
of Johnstoun to Edinburgh ; who was warded in the Castell of
Edinburgh. Archibald Erie of Angus held courts in Jedburgh,
where he hanged sixteene persons, and took pledges for the rest.
When Huntlie was to hold justice court in Perth, he was stayed
by the Erie of Atholl. To take away occasioun of contentioun,
the king discharged Huntlie of his commissioun.
About the seventh of December, a conventioun of the nobilitie
was holdin at Edinburgh. Patrik Maister of Gray, Abbot of Dum-
fermline, and Sir Robert Melvill of Mordecamie, knight, were di-
rected in arabassadge to England, to procure the releefe of Queene
Marie, alreadie convicted. At this conventioun it was granted
that a voluntarie subsidie sould be lifted, for furnishing ambassaders
to be directed to Spaine, France, Denmarke, for her releefe ; or
for aid, incace of anie executioun, which was feared.
606 caldekwood's iiistorie 1587.
M.D.LXXXVII.
MR JOHNE COWPER INTERRUPTED BY THE KING IN THE PULPIT.
The king commanded the ministers to pray publictlie in the
kirks, after sermoun, for his mother. They refused to doe it in the
maner he would have it to be done, that is, by condemning, directhe
or indirectlie, the proceedings of the Queen of England, and their
estats against her, or as for one innocent of the cryme layed to her
charge. Wherupon, the king comming to the Great Kirk of Edin-
burgh, becaus the sessioun and church had refused to injoyne their
ministers to pray for her, caused Mr Johne Cowper, minister, to
come down from the pulpit, when he was at the prayer, and sould
have teached, that he might give place to the bishop. Mr Johne
gave place, but uttered his miscontentment in these words : — That
he would make an accompt one day, to the great Judge of the
Avorld, for suche dealing ! The bishop goeth up to the pulpit : a
murmuring and noyse ariseth among the people : manic went out
of the kirk, and all without order. This accident fell furth upon
the thrid of Februar. Mr Johne Cowper was wairded in Black-
nesse, but soone after released, for the king feared the miscontent-
ment of the people. And, therefore, upon Wednisday, the eight of
Februar, Mr Walter Balcalquall having ended his sermoun, the
king stood up, and had a short harangue to this effect : That he
was sorie for that which had fallin furth some few dayes before,
tuiching the discharging of their preacher ; protesting he did it of
no evill mynde, and that he would alwayes favour the ministrie,
and the religioun presentlie professed. He said he was of that
mynde, that none of his subjects would blame him for his affectioun
which he caried to his mother, which moved him to doe that
which he did. But the charge he had givin to the ministers was
to pray to God, not onlie to illightcn her with the knowledge of
1587. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 607
the truthe, but also that the sentence pronounced against her might
not take place. Alwise the people were satisfied with this excuse.
Notwithstanding of this his excuse made to the people for discharg-
ing Mr Johne Cowper the pulpit, the king soone after sent a charge
to Mr Andrew Melvill and the maisters of the New Colledge, to
desist from preaching in English upon the Sabboth dayes, before
the people of the burgh, or others of the parish without the burgh.
The tenor of the charge heere followeth : —
" Principall and Maisters of the New Colledge, We greete you
Weill. Forasmuche as we are certanlie informed, that upon the
Sundayes yee assemble to yourselves a numbei", both of burgh and
land, and preaches to them in the English tongue, and inveyghe
against the late agreement which, with advice of the Generall As-
semblie, was appointed for the quietnesse of the kirk and realme ;
whereby great inconveniences may ensue, speciallie the divisioun
of the members of the universitie, gentlemen and burgesses, who
by that means are abstracted from their parish kirk and pastors
therin : We, willing that no suche occasioun sould ensue, and for the
wealefare and quietnesse of the toun and kirk there, has, by this
present, thought good that yee conteane yourselves within the
bounds of your owne vocatioun and calling, in suche languages as
yee professe for the instructioun of the youth ; and that in no wise
yee attempt doctrine in English to the people of the parish. We
gave our commandement, at Mr Andrew Melvill's returning to the
colledge, that he sould not in anie sort preache to the people ;
wherin, if ather yee or he continue, we will take fixrther order that
our appointment be not so lightlie regarded in tyme comming.
Thus, We committ you to God. From Halyrudlious, the ferd
day of Februar 1586. James R."
Upon the seventh of Februar, Patrik Maister of Gray, and
Sir Robert Melvill, returned to the countrie. They declared they
had no assurance of the queene's life ; and that there was an
English ambassador following them, to perswade the king that the
executioun of his mother was for his ov/ne Aveale and preservatioun.
608 caldekwood's histukil: 1587.
THE EXECUTION OF QUEENE MARIE.
Upon the eight of Februar, Marie, sometimes Queene of Scots,
was executed in Fothringhame Castell. The preparatioun to the
executioun, and the maner of the executioun, was as followeth : —
Queene EHzabeth dehvered to Mr Davidsone, one of her owne
secretars, letters signed with her owne hand, that a mandat sould be
made under the great scale to putt her to death, which might be in
a readinesse, if anie danger did suddanlie appeare ; and commanded
him not to communicat the mater. But, changing her minde, the
nixt day commandeth him, by Mr Killigrew, that the mandat sould
not be made up. But it was alreadie made up, and signed with the
great scale. Queene Elizabeth seemed to chaffe at so great haste.
Farther, Mr Davidsone communicated the mandat to the Privie
Counsellers. Wherupon, incontinent, Mr Beale is sent furth from
the Counsell, with one or two executioners, and letters, wherin
authoritie is givin to the Erles of Shrewsburie, Kent, Darbie,
Cumberland, and others, that she sould be putt to death accord-
ing to the lawes. Upon Saturday, the 4th of Februar, Robert
Beale came to the Erie of Kent's hous, and shewed him the com-
missioun and letters, wherupon the erle sent precepts, for stay of
the Hues and Cryes. Upon the Lord's Day, at night, Robert Beale
came to Fothringhame, and communicated the commissioun to Sir
Amias Powlet and Sir Drugh Durie. Sir Drugh Durie and Mr
Beale went on Moonday to the Erie of Shrewsburie. Upon Tuis-
day, the Erles of Shrewsburie and Kent came to Fothringay. The
commissioun was read unto her before her owne domesticks. They
shewed the necessitie that forced her Majestic to putt the sentence
in executioun, and exhorted her to prepare herself for death against
the nixt day ; offered for her confort the Bishop or Deane of Peter-
borough to instruct her. She crossed her breast, in the name of
the Father, the Sonne, and the Holle Ghost, and said she was
readie to dee in the Catholick faith, which her forefathers professed.
She forgave them that were the procurers of her death ; yitt, she
1587. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAJSTD. 609
said, she doubted not but God would execut vengeance upon them
for it. When she was putt in remembrance of the prooffes led
against her, and speciallie of the depositiouns of Naue and Curie,
her two secretareis, she said, she would accuse none, but after her
death it would appeare how she had beene used. She inquired
what was become of the said two servants ; but no answere was
made to her. It was reported that Naue had secreit familiaritie
with her, howbeit he had now cleane forsaikin her.
Upon Wedinsday, the 8th of Februar, the erles returne to the
castell, with the shireff of the shire. The shirefF, with other gentle-
men, were sent to her chamber, to bring her doun to the hall,
where the erles were, and with them Mr Henrie Talbert, Sir
Amias Powlet, Sir Drugh Durie, Robert Beale, and the gentlemen
of the countrie adjoyning ; Sir Edward Montague, with his eldest
Sonne, Sir Richard Knight, Mr Thomas Brodwell, Mr Robert
Tirro, Mr Robert Winkenfeild, Johne Winkenfeild, Mr Johne
Forrester, the Deane of Peterborough, and sindrie others. When
she came to the hall, there came with her Robert Melvill, her
maister houshold, her physician, chirurgian, and apothecarie. At
the foote of the staire, leading in to the hall, she desired Mr Mel-
vill to commend her to her sonne. She required some of her
women servants, namelie, Mastresse Curie, to come to her. Then
she went up to the scaffold that was sett up in the utter end of the
hall, where was a chaire, a cushioun, and a blocke, all covered
with blacke cloath. Mr Beale read the commissioun. Then the
Deane of Peterborough offered some speeche unto her, as an ad-
monitioun to dee in the feare of God, and in charitie. She desired
him to forbeare to speeke anie more ; for she was a Catholick, and
so would dee. When the erles and others present offered to pray for
her, she said, the prayers of that companie would little availe her.
Neverthelesse, by the directioun of the erles, the deane had pre-
pared a prayer, which, being read, was repeated by all the audi-
torie. The substance of it was, that it would please Almightie God
to send her his Holie Spirit, to pardoun her all her offences, and of
his mercie to receave her in his kingdom ; finallie, to blesse the
VOL. IV. 2 Q
610 calderwood's iiistorie 1587.
queene's Majestie. During this publict prayer she kneeled on her
knees, and conceaved a privat prayer of her owne, and prayed all
the sancts to pray to our Saviour to receavc her ; and then, turn-
ing to her servants, she required them to pray for her, that her
Saviour would receave her. To the executioners she said, that she
pardouned them, and was glade that the end of all her sorrowes
was so neere. Her maids weeping and yowlling, she willed them
to hold their peace. Then she kneeled doun, having a linnen
cloath tyed about her eyes. Lying upon the blocke, she receaved
the stroke of death by beheading, about elleven of the clocke, upon
Wedinsday, the eight of Februar. Her bodie was embalmed, and
after buried in the cathedrall kirk of Peterborough. But her func-
ralls were celebrated with pompe at Parise, at the charge of the
Guises.
So ended the life of Ladie Marie, sometime Queenc of Scots.
Heere is a fitt place to call to remembrance, that Mr Knox, when
he heard that King Henrie, her husband, had cast the psalm e booke
in the fire, for her pleasure, denounced that the Lord sould strike
both head and taile. At another tyme, being muche moved that
she woidd not come to heare the Word, he foretold, that the tyme
sould come when she sould be compelled to heare, raaugre her
heart. And so it came to passe, indcid ; for, at her arraignement,
she was compelled to heare the sermoun made before the com-
missioners.
MR DAVIDSONE, SECRETARIE, IMPRISSOUNED.
Queene Elizabeth seemed to be muche greeved at the executioun,
and willed that Mr Davidsone sould be brought to the Starre Cham-
ber, lie was accused, that, notwithstanding of her command in the
contrarc, he had imparted to the counsellers the mandat to be made
for her executioun, she being ignorant. When it was objected, he
had sealed the mandat in great haste, and communicated the same
to the Privie Counsellors, he answered, that he violated no trust in
communicating to them, and that the queene did not expresslie bid
1587. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 611
him keepe it to himself. Yitt he would not contest with her, but
rather committ himself to their will, and her pleasure. The Lord
Gray Avas vehement for him. The Lord Lumley was vehement
against him, and with Lumley agreed the archbishops. In end, he
Avas fynned by them at ten thowsand pund, and imprisouned at the
queen s pleasure. So he was keeped a long tyme in prisoun, and
all to make the world beleeve that Queene Elizabet was unwilling
to the executioun !
THE king's BEHiVVIOUE AFTEK THE DEATH OF HIS MOTHER.
When the king heard of the executioun, he could not conceale
his inward joy, howbeit outwardlie he seemed to be sorrowfull.
Yea, Chanceller Matlane was so ashamed of his behaviour that
night, that he caused isli the chamber, that there might be few or
no spectators. He said that night to some few that were beside
him, " I am now sole king." This he spake by reasoun of the as-
sociatioun which was ever urged, or laboured for, by suche as
favoured his mother ; yea, at her arraignement, certane notes out
of her letters writtin to Mendoza were read before her. She was
pressed out of them, as if she had compassed, to transferre the
right she had to the kingdom to the Spaniard, and that Allan and
Parsons stayed now at Rome for that purpose.
MR CAME SENT TO PACIFIE OUR KING.
The Queene of England sent to our king, to lett him understand
that the sentence of death was executed upon his mother without
her knowledge. After that, [she] sent unto him the sentence givin
furth against Mr Davidsone in the Starre Chamber, and an instru-
ment signed with the hands of the judges, declaring that the sen-
tence givin against his mother was not, nor could not be, prejudicial!
to his right of successioun. Mr Carie, as some write, sent Captan
Carwod to the king, to crave to be heard, at least, by some of the
Privie Counsell. Sir James Hume of Coldingknowes, and Sir
Robert Melvill of Mordecarnie, knight, treasurer-deput, were ap-
612 CALDER wood's histoeie 1587.
pointed to heare him. Tlicy mett within two myle of Berwick, at
Fouldeu, twentie-fourc on cache side, upon the fourteenth day of
Marche. Mr Carie affirmed, the king's mother was executed
without his maistresse' knowledge ; yitt offered to enter the king
in payment of twentie thowsand crowns yeerelie. They answered,
as is reported, that if his maistresse were not able to punishe her
owne subjects, the king would concurre. As for satisfactioun, it
was the custome, that slaughters committed, that the partie offend-
ing setteth doun the offers, wherupon the kin and freinds of the
person slaine doe reasoun and advise ; and, therefore, it was not
enough to offer what- satisfactioun the king would crave, and to
enter him in payment of twentie thowsand crowns. And so they
sindered. And yitt we heare the twentie thowsand crowns were
accepted, and no mentioun of further satisfactioun, if anie was
offered.
AMBASSADERS DIRECTED TO FRANCE AND DENMARKE.
Upon the 26th of Marche, the king, whill as yitt the memorie of
the executioun of his mother was recent in men's mindes, with ad-
vice of his counsell, concluded to send in ambassadge to Denmark
the Laird of Barnbarroch, and to France Sir William Stewart :
Sir William to treat upon the renewing of the league ; Barnbarroch
to treat upon a matche to the king. The Maister of Gray travelled
with Sir William, to have a sight of the letters directed to France.
Sir William informed the king. The king cometh from Dumferm-
line to his palace in Halyrudhous, the 28th of Aprile. The Maister
of Gray, being familiar with him the night before, in his owne hous
in Dumfermline, followed, suspecting no evill.
THE MAISTER OF GRAY ACCUSED OF TREASOUN.
Upon the 6th of May, Sir William Stewart accused the Maister
of Gray of treasoun in presence of the king and nobilitie conveeaed
in the counsell-hous. He alledged, that he had solicited liim to
lett him see the king's letters directed to Friuicc ; that he had
traffiqued with the King of France and King of Spain, for sub-
1587. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 613
version of religioun in this countrie ; that he had altered the king's
stamp and seales ; that he was a consenter to, if not a furtherer
of, the death of the king's mother. He denied all, and said these
points of accusatioun were but malicious forgereis. They were both
commanded to waird in the Castell of Edinburgh, till the king and
counsell were farther advised. The conventioun beginning the
10th of May, they were brought out of the castell, and examined
in presence of the king and nobilitie sitting in counsell, till eight at
night, and sent backe again to the castell. The day following, the
Maister of Gray was found culpable of manie crimes, and in speci-
all, that he wrote to England, and found fault that they had not in
so long a tyme found a meane to cutt off the king's mother pri-
vatlie. My Lord Hammiltoun satt doun upon his knees before the
king and counsell, and requeisted that his life might be spaired ;
which was granted, not without admiratioun of manie, and suspi-
cioun that there was some mysterie lurking in the mater. It was
concluded that he sould be banished, but so, that he sould enjoy
his rents ; saving that the Al^bacie of Dumfermline was taikin from
him and givin to another, little better, if not worse affected to re-
ligioun, to witt, to the Erie of Huntlie.
DEEDLIE FEEDS RECONCILED.
At this conventioun, the king reconciled the noblemen who were
at variance, and upon the Lord's day, the 14th of May, made a
bankctt unto them. The Lords satt at a long table by themselves.
The king dranke to them thrise, willed them to mainteane concord
and peace, and vowed to be a mortall enemie to him who first brake.
Upon Moonday, the 15th of May, after supper, the king came from
the Palace of Halyrudhous to the Castell of Edinburgh ; from that
to the Tolbuith, [and] releeved the prisoners warded for debt ;
from thence came to the Mercat Croce, where a long table was
sett, furnished with bread, wyne, and sweet meates. The Croce
was covered with tapestrie, and upon it the trumpeters blowing,
and the musicians singing. The king, in presence of the multitude,
dranke to the nobilitie, and everie lord dranke to another. The
614 calderwood's iiistorie 1587.
gibbets at the Croce were brokin doun with fire-balls and fire-
speares ; the glasses, with wyne, sweet meates, were cast abrod in
the streets, and from the fore staircs. Tliey went backe to tlic pa-
lace, in the same order as they came up. The king, with my Lord
Hamniilton on the right hand, and the secretar on the left ; the duke
and Lord Claud in other's hands before the king ; Angus and Mon-
trose in hands ; Iluntlie and Marshall ; Crawfurd and the Master of
Glames likewise. In the mean tyme, the cannons of the castell
thundered.
THE MASTER OF GRAY BANISHED.
Upon the 27th of May, the king tooke journey to Falkland.
The Maister of Gray was brought out of the Castell of Edinburgh
the same day to the Tolbuith, and in presence of the Lords of Ses-
sioun, found cautioun to passe furth of the countrie, and to re-
maine fnrtli during the king's will, under the paine of fortie
thowsand pund. He went over to Dumfermline to prepare him-
self, and departed out of the countrie the 7tli of June. Upon the
IGtli of June, the causes of his banishment were published at the
Mercat Croce of Edinburgh, viz., that he was a traffiquer with the
Pope, the Kings of Spaine and France, to hinder the king of anie
aide, except he would grant libertie of conscience ; that he had in-
telligence with the Lord Westmerland, Frier Gray, and Mr Tyrie,
to that effect ; that he powssed the Queen of England to cutt
off the queen's mother, as if there could be no other meane for
securitie ; that he interprised to take the king captive at Dum-
fermline ; that he banded with Mortoun, alias Maxwell, and late
Chanccller, to Invade the secretar, the generall collector, and the
Laird of Coldingknowes ; that he counterfootted the king's stampe,
and altered his letters ; that he stayed, so farre as he could, the
king's matche with Denmarke ; that he troubled the peace of the
countrie. It is to be woundered, if he was guiltie of so manic
crymes, that his life was spaired, and his lands saved, unlesse he
had had secreit warrant or connivence for some of them, which
procured him favour for all together.
1587. OF THE KIRK OE SCOTLAND. 615
Barnbarrocli went aboorcl in ambassadge for Denmark, the 31st
of May. Sir William Stewart his ambassadge to France was stayed.
About this tyme, it was alledged that advertisement came from
Captan James Stewart, late Chanceller, to the king, that the king
would be ather slaine or led captive to England within fyfteene
dayes, by the Lords who were at the Raid of Stirline. The king
rcveeled the contents. The Lords desired a tryell, but it could
not be obteaned ; and therefore it was thought the letters were
forged, to try the afFectioun and loyaltie of the noblemen.
THE * * GENERALL ASSEMBLIE.
The Generall Assemblie conveenned at Edinburgh in the New
Kirk, the 20th day of June. Exhortatioun being made by Mr
David Lindsey, Moderator of the last Assemblie, the Assemblie
proceeded to the electioun of a new Moderator. Mr Andrew Mel-
vill was chosin by pluralitie of votes. For the better expeditioun
of maters, and more orderlie proceeding in suche things as were to
be proponed, he required the assistance of certane brethrein, to
concmTc with him at extraordinarie houres, which was granted.
The Assemblie nominated to that effect Mr David Lindsey, Mr
NicoU Dagleish, Mr Patrik Galloway, Mr Paul Eraser, Mr Thomas
Buchanan, Mr Robert Bruce, Mr Robert Pont, Mr Johne Craig,
Mr Walter Balcalquall, Mr Patrik Sims one, Mr James Brysone,
Mr Peter Blekburne, Mr Andrew Hay.
Mr David Lindsey and Johne Durie were directed to the secre-
tar, to understand if the king had appointed anie commissioners to
attend in his Hienesse' name upon the Assemblie ; and to crave
their presence and concurrence. They reported his answere in the
secund sessioun, that his Majestic had appointed himself and the
Justice-Clerk, and that they sould be present as their opportuni-
tie might serve.
As to the bookes of the Assemblie, Mr David Lindsey reported,
in the secund sessioun, the king's commissioner's answere, that it
being knowne in whose hands the samine are, they sail concurre
with the Assemblie for the rcstitutioun therof. Wherupon the Mo-
616 calderwood's historie 1587.
derator desired the brethrein that could cnxc anic liorht in this
mater to manifest the same. He enquired at Mr Patrik Gallo-
Avay, who was directed in the last Assemblie to the king, to sute
the deliverie of the said registers, what was his Hienesse' answere ?
He declared his Majestic had promised to caus them be delivered.
Therafter it was testified by Johne Brand, that at the last As-
semblie, in his owne hous, Mr Patrik Adamsone, Bishop of St
Andrewes, confessed in presence of David Fergusone where they
were ; and a command being obteancd, the king promised to deli-
ver the same. Johne Duric testified likewise, that he heard him
grant he had them. Wherupon, the Assemblie intended to charge
him ; yitt directed Mr David Lindsey to the secretar to seeke his
advice. He returned with this answere, that his Lordship thought
meete a supplicatioun sould be givin in to the Lords of the Coun-
sell, to obteane charges against the said Mr Patrik ; and that the
Assemblie sould likewise use their owne authoritie in charging.
Wherupon the Assemblie ordeanned a supplicatioun to be penned,
and givin in to the Lords ; a charge to passe from this Assemblie,
charging Mr Patrik to exhibit the said bookes before them, to be
delivered to the clerk within three dayes after the charge, or to
shew a reasonable caus why he may not deliver them ; and siclyke,
to compeare within the said space personallie, to answere for his
absence from this Assemblie, and to suche other points as sould be
layed to his charge. In the fom*th sessioun, it was thought expe-
dient, notwithstanding of the former ordinance made against Mr
Patrik Adamsone for randering the registers, that before the
samine be putt in executioun^ an humble supplicatioun be made to
the king's Majestic ; and willed their brethrein, Mr David Lindsey
and Johne Duncansone, to draAv up the same immediatlie, that it
might be sent with expeditioun. A letter being directed by their
brethrein, Johne Duncansone, &c., bearing the king's command to
the bishop for deliverance of the bookes, at the least, of foure of
them, and that Mr George Young was stayed till the saids bookes
sould be delivered, the Assemblie, in the fyfteenth sessioun, directed
their brethrcm, Mr James Nicolsone and Mr Alexander Raw-
1587. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 617
sone, to my Lord Secretar, to the effect the same might be pre-
sented ; and after their directioun, and reiterated directioun of their
brethrein, Mr Andrew Melvill and Mr David Lindsej, at lenth
Mr George Young presented to the sight of the Assemblie five
volumes of the Acts, wherof a great part being mauked/ and after
the sight therof being redelivered to the said Mr George, the vehole
brethrein ordeanned a heavie regrait to be made to his Majestic in
article, lamenting the away-taking and mutilating of the said
bookes, and to crave that the samine may be restored ; and also,
that the saids bookes may be delivered in the Kirk's hands, to re-
maine with them as their owne registers ; namelie, in respect of
the answere returned from my Lord Secretare, that his Majestie's
will was, that the Assemblie sould have inspectioun therof, as they
had adoe presentlie, and to give them up again.
THE TEIELL OF MR P. ADAMSONE.
Sessiou7i 5.
Tuiching the diverse and greevous complaints of sindrie breth-
rein against Mr Patrik Adamsone, Bishop of Sanct Andrewes, &c.,
at whose instance he is denounced rebell, and at the home regi-
stred, for not payment of their sustentatioun and stipend assigned
to them, and speciallie, of Mr William Strang, Mr David Spence,
Mr Adam Johnstoun, and others, and of the slander that he lyeth at
the home, for not furnishing of two gallouns of wine to the commu-
nioun ; this mater being heavilie regraitted to the king's commission-
ers, promise was made by the Pryour of Blantyre, to communicat the
mater to the rest of the king's Majestie's commissioners, whose
advice for redresse heerof he sould report to the Assemblie.
As to the regrait of some brethrein, that partlie by his rebellioun
and lying at the home, and partlie by his suspensioun, some divi-
sioun riseth, that certane resort not to his sermons, nor to the ad-
ministratioun of the sacraments made by him, or other service, as
hurailiatioun, others repaire thereto, and so appeareth some di-
1 iMutilated.
G18 calderwood's iiistorie 1587.
visioun, wliicli wovikl be redressed, the bretlireln tliiukc mecte,
that before they enter heerin, some answere be reported of the
former complaint.
Tuiching the complamt made concerning Mr Patrik Adamsone,
Bishop of St Andrewes, and slander givin by him, through lying
at the horne at the instance of so manie of the brethrein, and the
answere of the king's Majestic's commissioners thereto, the said
commissioners being present, thought meete, becaus the mater is
civill, wherin the king's Majestic hath interesse, that his Grace
sould be forewarned ; which they promised to do.
Tuiching the doubt propouned, if it be slander to a Christian to
absent himself from the sermouns, ministratioun of the sacraments,
or other godlie exercises, used by suche as ly at the king's horne,
and are suspended from all functioun in the ministrie, the Assem-
blie answered thereto, that there is no slander in this cace; and
by the contrare concluded, that it is slaunder to a Christian to
resort to the sermons and other exercises foresaid, of suche a
one whom they know to be at the horne, and suspended from all
functioun of the ministrie, as said is.
THE TRIELL OF THE BISHOP OF ABERDEEN.
Sessioiin 5.
Tuichins: the coramissioun ffivin in the last Assemblie to their
brethrein of the Presbytereis of Glasgow and Stirlinc, to summoun
Mr David Cunninghame before them at a certane day, to be tryed
concerning the slaunder of adulterie with Elizabeth Sutherland, or
anic other persoun, and if they find him by good appearance crimi-
nall and guiltic, after the said tryell, to suspend him from his func-
tioun of the ministrie, to this Assemblie, and to summoun him
thereto, to heere the determinatioun of the whole brethrein ther-
anent, lyke as at more lenth is conteancd in the said commissioun ;
wherof the exccutioun being craved of the said commissioners, and
certan excuses pretended by them of the non-executioun thcrof,
(which the brethrein esteemed of small importance,) of new giveth
1587. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAKD. 619
and committeth power to the said presbytereis to direct and sum-
mouns, to suclie a short and convenient day as is possible, to com-
peere before them in Stirline, there to be tryed concerning the
said slaunder, ather with the said EHzabeth, or with anie other per-
soun ; and if they find him by good appearance crirainall and
guiltie, after the said tryell, to suspend him from the functioun of the
ministrie, to the nixt Generall AssembHe, wherunto they sail sum-
moun him, to heare the farther determinatioun of the whole breth-
rein theranent ; and what sail be done heerin to report therunto :
Ordeaning, if the said Mr David's resort be in Aberdeene, to cans
the summoims be directed to him for the executioun therof, as they
will answere upon their obedience to the kirk.
THE TRIELL OF THE BISHOP OF DUNKELDEN.
Sessioun 5.
Tuiching the commissioun givin to Mr Patrik Galloway, Mr
William Rind, Mr William Edmistoun, Mr William Glasse, Mr
Johne Abercrumbie, and Patrilv Wemes, to try the Bishop of
Dunkelden, and to summoun him before them at suche dayes and
places as they soidd thinke good, if they find anie occasioun of
slander in his life, conversatioun, or doctrine, betuixt and this As-
sembHe, and to take probatioun and lead processe therin, to the
sentence, remitting the same to the nixt Generall Assemblie, as the
said commissioun at more lenth beareth. Which commissioun, in
respect the samine hath as yitt beene unexecuted and followed out,
the Assemblie reneweth ; commanding the saids commissioners to
proceed, conforme to the said commissioun, in aU points, for execu-
tioun therof, as they will answere upon their obedience, and to
report their diligence and tryell to the nixt Assemblie.
THE TRYELL OF MR R. MONTGOMRIE.
Sessioun 6.
Tuiching the ordinance givin to certane brethrein concerning
Mr Robert Montgomrie, the brethrein directed to that mater de-
C20 calderwood's historie 1587.
clared, they had charge of the Assemblle to sett down to him a
forme of reiDcntance, -which he sould use, wherin they soukl doe
their part ; but no obedience is givin by him there.
THE TRYELL OF THE COMMISSIONER OF CATHNESSE.
Sessioun 7.
Robert Grahame, Commissioner of Cathnesse, being removed,
he was charged that he had a Hieland kirk which he served not,
and that he made not residence at his owne kirk. Re-entering, [he]
answered, he laiked the knowledge of the Irish tongue, and yitt
upon his expences the kirk was served. And as to his non-resi-
dence, the cans is, that he hath nather manse nor gleeb, and hath
his partie at the home for the same. The Assemblie remitted liim
to the commissioners appointed for non-residence, to be processed
there.
Mr Peter Blckburne presented the bill to be directed to the
king's Majestic, for procurement of the restitutioun of the bookes ;
which was read, and ordcaned to be delivered to tlieir brother,
Johne Duncansone.
Sessioun 6.
For try ell of the bookes of the commissioner's diligence, it is
thought meet, that out of everie province a certane be elected, to
vissie and consider the said bookes ; and to that effect, the brcth-
rein nominated Mr Jolme Craig, Johne Durie, William Christe-
sone, Mr Adam Johnstoun, Mr Johne Knox, Mr Thomas Makgie,
and Mr Johne Howesone ; and to conveene at six houres in the
morning, in the New Kirk, and at suche other cxtraordinar houres
as they may, wlull they have finallie tryed them, and therafter to
report to the Assemblie what they find.
The Commissioner of Lothiane being removed and tryed, some
brethrein complained that Mr James Young having two kirks
under cure, was placed by him, by the advice of the Presbytcrie,
minister also at Stentoun ; that kirk having a benefice, might sus-
1587. OP THE KIKK OP SCOTLAND. 621
teaue a minister. And farther, that in the Synodall Assemblie,
constitutiouns being made to represse the insolencie of ministers
in their abuilyement/ yitt sensyne, he hathe overseene the execu-
tioun therof against some persons Avhich are present. To the
which, re-entering, he answered, that he had not placed simpliciter
Mr James Young at Stentoun, but onhe desired, whill some pro-
visioun were made for it, that he sould make some helpe ; and as to
the benefice, it is provided of old. To the secund, answered, the
persons which are meaned to be insolent in apparell wei*e admonish-
ed ; and he receaved no directioun from their said Presbyterie con-
cerning suchc persouns : and farther, the Presbyterie sould take
order amono- themselves with the brethrein of their number.
TKIELL OF THE ADMISSIOUN TO THE BISHOPRICK OP GLASGOW.
Sessioun 5.
Tuiching the slander of admissioun of a bishop latelie to the
bishoprick of Glasgow, by all order, by the brethrein of the West,
the Assemblie hath thought meete, for good causes, that the said
mater be first opened up, and treatted in privie conference, after
noone, and therafter brought before the whole number, for satisfe-
ing all the brethrein.
Sessioun 8.
Tuiching the slaunder of admissioun of the Bishop of Glasgow by
the brethrein of the West, referred first to the privat audience of
the Moderator and his assessors, the Moderator, with the rest of
the brethrein, declared, that they heard the said Commissioner and
Presbyterie, and the whole forme of admissioun of the said bishop,
which was onlie to the temporalitie, the ecclesiasticall jurisdictioun
being devolved by him in the kirk's hands, and Avith suche condi-
tions, in cace the Generall Assemblie sould not allow of suche ad-
missioun, that the samine sould be undone ; whenipon, his obllga-
' Apparel.
G22 calderwood's histobie 1587.
tioiin remalneth. Which forme, albeit the said brethrein would
not mainteane to be agreeable to the Word, nor the order of the
kirk heerefore observed, yitt they did nothing therin of minde to
hurt the kirk, but rather 1o preveene greater inconveniences which
might follow, if he had not beene admitted : referring them heerin
to the good deliberatioun of the whole Assemblie. Which mater
being weill weyghed and considered by the full number of the
brethi'ein, albeit they understand the good meaning the said breth-
rein had, and acknowledge their zeale in resisting the corruptiouns
in tymes past to that estat, yitt, in conscience, they universallie
voted and concluded the said forme of admissioun to be unlawfull,
nather agreeing with the Word of God, nor with the order and
custome of the kirk ; and, therefore, ordeaneth the said brethrein,
admitters of the said bishop, to urge him with performance of the
said obligatioun, and to cans the said admissioun to be undone and
annulled, and that with all possible diligence, and betuixt and
Michaelmesse nixtoeum at the farthest, to the ejBPect that the slan-
der may be removed from the kirk, as they will answere upon their
obedience to the same.
Sessioun 3.
Tuiching the commissioun givin by the king's Majestic, with the
advice of the Assemblie, to certane brethrein concerning non-resi-
dents, and others deserving deprivatioun, the said commissioners
being present, and inquired of the discharge, and due diligence of
their office in that part, exponcd, that for sindrie impediments,
their travells had not beene so profitable as is required ; namelie,
for laike of expences to the commoun effaires, to outred' charges
therin, absence of the procurator of the kirk, sometimes sleuth of
the Presbytereis in not remitting summouns to their due terme,
and by dispensatiouns givin by the king's Majestic tuiching non-
residence, which is a commoun shift to manic. Alwise, in some,
they have proceeded with sentence, others ly at interloquitor ; de-
siring the judgement of the Assemblie, if the said dispensatioun sail
' Clear out.
1587. or THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND, 623
be anie caus to hinder processe against them, and likewise craving
the removing of the said impediments, which hinder the executioun of
the said commissioun. The assemhHe of the brethrein ordeaneth
commissioners to give in the speciall impediments, with their
judgements how the samine may be removed, at their first oppor-
tunitie. And siclyke, the brethrein which Avould understand the
proceedings against anie persons which were summouncd before the
saids commissioners, to give in their names in writt, that a particu-
lar answere may be givin to them for declaring of their diligence.
Sessioun 4.
Forasmuche as there has beene a mater of greefe conceaved by
the king's Majestie against two brethrein, Mr Johne Cowper and
James Gibsone, moved privilie to the Moderator, it is thought ex-
pedient by the whole Assemblie that the said caus be first privilie
treated and considered by the brethrein underwritten; to witt,
the Laird of Dun, Mr Peter Blekburne, Johne Porterfeild, Mr
Thomas Buchanan, Mr David Lindsay, Mr Nicoll Dagleish, and
David Fergusone, whom the Assemblie nominateth to travell, rea-
soun, and conferre with the saids parteis, and to see if they can
take up the mater by their owne advice ; otherwise, to propone the
same to the full Assemblie, that the mater may be heard and rea-
souned there : and to that effect, ordeaned the said brethrein im-
mediatlie to passe out of the Assemblie, and the said Mr Johne
and James to passe with them.
Sessioun 5.
Tuiching the mater of Mr Johne Cowper and James Gibsone,
referred to be reasouned and travelled in yesterday, by certane of
the brethrein, the Assemblie, by their votes, giveth their full power
and commissioun to the Moderator, and the assessors appointed by
him, to confer, consult, advise, and, if they may, conclude and putt
finall end therin ; to the effect the same may be brought to some
finall good point and quietnesse, without farther trouble of the As-
semblie; praying God to give them good successe therin.
624 calderwood's iiistokie 1587.
censure for privat mariage.
Sessioun 12.
Elizabeth Lermontli, daughter to Su' Patrik Lermonth of Dalr-
say, knight, compleaned, that Wilham Challan, reader at Auchin-
taile, had solemnized the mariage betuixt William Kirkaldie, alias
Ker, Laird of Grange, and Maistresse EUzabeth Lyoun, secreitlie,
and without proclaming their bannes three severall tymes, accord-
ing to order, and after lawfull impediment made by her at the khk
of Glames, the secund day of the proclamatioun. The said William
being called, and accused, that he had proceeded to the solemniza-
tioun of the mariage above specifeid, without lawfull proclamatioun
of the bannes thrise, and that within a privie hous, in another mi-
nister's bounds, answered, that the proclamatioun preceeded the
soleranizatioun, as a testimoniall presented by him therupon beareth ;
and that the giver therof being sicke the day of the solemnizatioun,
he executed the office, and solemnized the mariage in the place
of * * for the which he submitteth himself willinghe in the will of
the brethrein. Which confessioun being considered by them, they
find that he hath transgressed the acts of the kirk, in making the
said mariage intra privatos parietes, and, therefore, to have incm'red
the penaltie therof, viz., deprivatioun from his office and functioun
in time commino;.
THE JUDGEMENT OF THE ASSEMBLIE, OP THE BISHOPRICK OP
CATHNESSE OFFERED TO MR R. PONT.
Sessioun 13.
Tuiching the presentatioun of their brother, Mr Kobert Pont,
recommended by the king's Majestic to the bishoprick of Cathncsse,
the said Mr Robert, before his removing from the Assemblie, to
notifie his minde to the whole brethrein, that no man sould take
1587. or THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 625
anie just occasioun of slander in his person, declared, that for some
losse and hurt done to him in his trouble, after diverse sutes givin
in to Exchecker, at lenth this presentatioun, without procurement
of him, was putt in his hand ; and if the living might not be bruiked
with safe conscience, and without slander of the kirk, desired their
judgement : this farre alwise, being of minde resolved in that mater,
that he would agree to be minister of Dornoch ; to take visitatioun
but by command of the kirk, and for his office and charge bruike
the living onlie. With the which mater, after the removing of the
said Mr Robert, the Assemblie, being in a part entered in reasoning,
delayed their further consultatioun therof whill after noone; de-
siring Mv Nicoll Dagleish, Mr Peter Blekburne, and David Fer-
gusone, to consider, by the said Mr Robert's advice, what answere
sail be givin to the king, to be reported by them again to the As-
semblie at after noone.
Sessioim 14.
Tuiching the letter ordeanned to be penned by David Fergu-
sone, Mr Peter Blekburne, and Mr Nicoll Dagleish, concerning
the answere to the king's Majestic, tuiching the presentatioun of
their brother, Mr Robert Pont, to the bishoprick of Cathnesse, the
said letter being presented and ratified, after a few words changed,
was thought raeete to be directed to his Grace.
Sessioun 15.
Tuiching the new missive thought good to be directed to the
king's Majestic, for answere to the king's recommendatioun of their
brother, IVIr Robert Pont, to the bishoprick of Cathnesse, the sa-
mine being read publictlie, was thought meeter to be directed unto
his Grace than the answere read of before. Of the which answere
the tcnour followeth : —
" Sir, — Lett it please your Hiencsse : We have receaved your
letter, willing us to elect our brother, Mr Robert Pont, to the
bishoprick of Cathnesse, vacand by the decease of umquhile Robert
Erie of Marche, your Hienesse' uncle. We praise God that your
VOL. IV. 2 K
626 calderwood's histoeie 1587.
Majestle hath a good opinioun and estimatioun of suche a persoun,
as we judge the said Mr Eobert to be, whom we acknowledge in-
deid to be ah-eadie a bishop, according to the doctrine of St Paul,
and qualified to use the functioun of a pastor or minister at the kirk
of Dornoch, or anie other kirk within your Hienesse' realme, where
he is lawfullie called, and worthie to have a competent living ap-
pointed to him therefore ; as also, to use the office of a visiter or com-
missioner within the bounds or diocie of Cathnesse, if he be bur-
thenned therewith. But as to that corrupt estat or office of them
who have beene termed bishops heretofore, we find it not agree-
able to the Word of God, and it hath beene damned in diverse
others our Assembleis ; nather is the said Mr Robert willing to ac-
cept the same in that maner : The which we tliought good to sig-
nifie unto your Majestic, for answere of your Hienesse' letter of
nominatioun ; and have ordeanned our brethrein to be appointed
commissioners, to aAvait upon the nixt parliament, to conferre with
your Hienesse and Counsell at more lenth (if need sail be) heer-
upon. Thus, after offisring of our humble obedience, we earnestlie
wish the Spirit of the Lord to assist your Hienesse in all good ef-
faires. From our Gencrall Assemblie, the 28th of Junie, 1587."
ACTS OF PARLIAMENT AGAINST PAPISTS TO BE GATHERED.
Sessioun 4.
Forasmuche as, albeit there be both laws and diverse procla-
niatiouns published and sett out against Jesuits and Papists, and,
notthelesse, their number daylie increasseth, under the maintenance
of diverse great men within the countrie, without feare of law or
anie punishment to ensue ; for repressing therof, seing his Majestic
is now of perfyte age, and a ])ai"liament is appointed in the nixt
moneth, it is thought expedient that the acts of parliament made
by our soverane lord and his predecessors, and his Hienesse' re-
gents for the tyme, for the libertie of the true Kirk of God, and
Christ's religioun presentlie professed within this realme, and for
1587. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 627
repressing of Paplstrle and idolatrie, be gathered together, and
craved to be confirmed : as likewise, the executioun of the said
acts may be considered ; and what further, ather executioun or
law, sail be desired against the said Papists and idolaters ; as also,
suche lawes and constitutiouns as are made to the derogatioun of
the said libertie, or to the prejudice or stay of the course of the
Evangell, may be likewise collected, to the effect their abrogatioun
may be sought : to the which effect, they have nominated their be-
loved brethrein, the Laird of Dun, Mr Eobert Pont, Mr NicoU
Dagleish, Mr David Lindsey, Mr Paul Fraser, and Mr Thomas
Buchanan, to concurre together at suche houres as they may best
spaire, and take the paines in the said mater ; and therafter present
their travells to the Assemblie, to be considered by them.
ACTS.
Sessionn 9.
Forasmuche as Satan in his members, daylle, more and more
seeketh by all meanes to increasse his kingdom of darknesse ; and
for that cans, in thir latter tymes, he stirreth up craftie and subtile
spirits, enarmed mightilie with sophistrie and deceate, to abuse the
truthe, and by shaddow of cunning and learning to blind the ey
of the simple sort ; for the which caus, it is the part of the true
kirk vigilantlie to occurre to his craft, and by all meanes to endea-
voure the advancement of Christ's kingdom : And, therefore, the
Assemblie wuthin this realme hath advised, and found good, that
the presbytereis, together with their commissioners, in all the parts
of the countrie, and everie ilk one of them for their owne parts,
prescribe to everie young man that is minister within suche a pres-
byterie a part of Scripture, together with a part of the commoun
places and controverted heeds of religioun, to be diligentlie read,
considered, and learned by him, within suche a space of tyme as
the presbyterie thinketh good to appoint to him. And that his
diligence may appeare the better into the fruict therof, at certane
G2S caluerwood's histouie 1587.
tymcs in the yeere, everic presbyterie being conveenned, take a
corapt of the young man of his travells, by requiring of him, in the
part of Scripture prescribed to him, 1. The summe and deductioun
of the mater : 2. The solide sense and meaning of these places
which are most difficill to be understood : 3. A coUatioun of the
sentences and arguments which, by reading, he may be able to
gather out of that part of Scripture propouned to him ; the which
arguments may serve athcr to confirme the truthe, or ellis to re-
fute hereticall opiniouns. And as for the part of commoun places
and heeds of religioun prescribed to him, lett him be readie to an-
swere to questioning and reasoning to be had therupon ; and so to
be exercised in this Idnde, not for a tyme onlie, but from tyme to
tyme, whill he come to a certane maturitie and solidenesse in the
Scripture of God.
Sessioun 11.
Tuiching the particular sessiouns of kirks and congregatiouns,
the Assemblie resolved that they are, and sould be, subject to their
presbytereis,as hath beene accorded before, by act of the Assemblie.
Sessioun 9.
No maisters of colledges or schooles sail receave in their col-
ledges or schooles, to teache, anle student or scholars being of ma-
turitie of age, which refuse to subscribe to the true religioun pre-
sentlie established and professed by the mcrcle of God, within this
rcalme, or refusing to participat the sacraments, under the paine of
the censures of the kirk. And farther, before anie student be pro-
moted to anie degree in the universitie, that they sail, toties qnoties,
as they sail be promoted, subscrive de novo, otherwise their pro-
motiouns to be stayed, under the paines foresaid ; and that the
presbytereis be diligent to see the executioun of this act, as they
will answerc to God.
Sessioun 15.
Tuiching the questioun moved, if su?pensiouu of a minister from
1587. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 629
the fiinctioun of the minlstrie for a time, for just causes, be repug-
nant to the "Word of God or not ? the Assemblie, albeit they thinke
no just doubt may be moved in this mater, in respect of their con-
clusiouns of before, with the daylie practises andexemples sensyne,
yitt, the mater being reasouned de novo, it is found, that the samine
agreeth with the Word of God and his Scriptures ; and, therefore,
the acts made theranent before to stand in full strenth, and not to
be called backe againe in anie wise.
Sessioun 16.
It is concluded, that all pastors of whatsomever sort sail be sub-
ject to the try ell and censuring of their brethrein, als weill of the
presbytereis as Synodall and Generall Assembleis, concerning
their life, conversatioun, and doctrine ; and suche as refuse their
tryell and censure, that the said presbytereis, Synodall or Generall
Assembleis, proceed against them.
Sessioun 18.
Tuiching the commissioners of countreis, it is concluded, their
commissiouns sail continue from Assemblie to Assemblie ; and that
the brethrein appointed to aAvait on the parliament supplicat his
Majestic, that the commissioners appointed by them in their last
Assemblie may be continued yitt, seing there is no fault found
with them for the present. It is likewise voted and concluded,
that none sail be admitted to anie personage or vicarage who sail
not be qualified to teache and preache the Word.
QUESTIONS.
Sessioun 5.
Tuiching complaints and questiouns which have been propouned
in Synodall Assembleis, and could receave no resolutioun, the As-
semblie appointeth Mr David Spence, Mr Adam Johnstoun, Mr
Gilbert Gairdin, and Johne Porterfield, to reasouu the same ; with
630 calderwood's historie 1587.
suche bills as necessarlie must come to the Generall Assemblie ;
and divide them from others, to the effect they may be presented
to the full number ; and to that effect, to conveene at eight houres
in the morning, and at two after noone.
ARTICLES AJSTD ANSWERS.
Sessioun 17.
For penning of the instructiouns to be givin to the brethrein ap-
pointed to tak order, and give answere unto the five articles pro-
pouned by the king's Majestic unto the Assemblie, the Assemblie
hath nominated their brethrein, Mr James Melvill, Mr Johne
Craig, Mr Paul Fraser, Mr George Monro, Mr William Watsone,
Mr Johne Keith, and Mr William Stirline ; and appointeth them
to exhibite the said instructiouns after noone to the conference.
THE TENOR OP THE ARTICLES PROPONNED FOR THE KING'S
MAJESTIE.
1. Concerning the Bishop of St Andrewes, if anie controversie
be, that it be reasouned in his Majestie's presence.
2. That the Bishop of Aberdeene be not interessed in his juris-
dictioun and living, but the same to be exerced by himself, becaus
the alledged slaunder whereby he was damnified of before is suf-
ficientlie tryed and removed.
3. Concerning James Gibsone and Mr Johne Cowper, that they
acknowledge and confesse their publict offences and slanders against
his Majestic, and satisfie therefore as he sail thinke good ; or other-
wise be deprived from all functioun in the kirk.
4. Concerning Mr Robert Montgomrie, that he be receaved
without farther ceremonie in the fellowship and favour of the kirk.
5. Concerning the Laird of Fintrie's excommunication, which
was somewhat extraordinar, to be declared null.
1587. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 631
THE TENOUR OF THE INSTRUCTIONS TO THE COMMISSIONERS
APPOINTED TO AWAIT ON PARLIAMENT.
First, as concerning the king's articles, in the first two, lett the
judgement of the Assemblie be followed and notified unto his Ma-
jestic.
As to the Thrid, they sail travell by all meanes possible to mease ^
his Majestic in this mater, and bring it in oblivioun ; and failing
therof, in cace they sail find anie good assured hope, that the As-
semblie's articles sail be weill looked upon, and granted to passe in
parliament, they sail preasse to bring the mater to suche a midds,
as may best agree with the honour of the ministrie, satisfeing the
offence of the godlie, and conscience of the brethrein themselves,
against the which his Majestic has taikin ofi^ence ; that in speciall,
which his Hienesse' commissioners sent in writt to one of the said
brethrein : otherwise, if they be urged to the article as it standeth,
they sail leave the mater whole and free, to be tryed and judged by
the Generall Assemblie.
As to the Fourth, they sail dispense with Mr Eobert Montgo-
merie in some ceremoneis used in repentance, incace they find his
Majestic willing to remitt somwhat of the rigour of his Majestie's
satisfactioun craved of the two brethrein by whom he finds his
Hienesse offended.
As to the Fyft, concerning the Laird of Fintrle, they sail show
his Majestic, that the Assemblie hath appointed certane of their
brethrein to see what effect the dealing of them that were ap-
pointed in the last Assemblie hath taikin with him ; and to travell
further, by all good meanes, to bring him, by repentance, in the
bosome of the true kirk, whereby that sentence may be in verle
deed annulled.
They sail admitt nothing hurtfull nor prejudicial! to the disci-
pline of the kirk, as it Is concluded according to the Word of God,
in the Generall Assemblie of the kirk preceeding the 84th yeere of
' Appease.
G32 calderwood's iiistohie 1587-
God ; but preceeselie secke tlic same to be ratified and allowed, if
possiblie may be.
And, finallie, in all lett God be feared, and a good conscience be
keeped, in procuring the weale of the kirk, and taking away all im-
pediments contrare thereto.
Sessioun 18.
An article to be conceaved and givin in with the rest of the
articles, that an act may be concluded in parliament, that whereas
beneficed men are called to heare them, deprived before the judges
ecclesiasticall, deputed thereto, that their living during the tyme
of the dependance of processe, incace they be deprived, may be
tane up and applyed to the use of the kirk.
As for Mr Patrik Adamsone, the Assemblie had agreed, in the
16th Sessioun, to answere that there was nothing proceeded against
him in the Assemblie. As to Mr Daniel Cunninghame, there was
a notorious slander in his persone, and the brethrein could not see
nor know anie cleere purgatioun as yltt : James Gibsone was ab-
sent ; Mr Johne CoAvper desired to be heard. In the 18th Sessioun,
the Assemblie answered to his demand, if they found anie fault in
him wherefore his mouth sould be closed, that they found no fault
with him. Mr Johne protested, that forasmuche as that mater
was committed to certanc commissioners, that if they decreed anie
thing to his prejudice, he be not obliged thereto, unlesse they all
agree in one voice.
In the 15th Sessioun it was agreed, that an article be presented
to the king, expressing their greefe, that sindrie Papists of great
calling arc promoted to offices and benefices, contrare to the acts
of parliament ; and that suche, and others of high ranke within the
countrie, take upon them the maintenance of Papists and idolaters,
namelie, the Erics of Huntlie and Sutherland, the Lord Hume, the
Lord Gray, the Lord Hereis, the Laird of Fentrie, and young
Glenbervie.
Mr Andrew Melvill was ordeanned to penne a letter in name of
1587. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 633
the Assemblle, to the ministers of Danskene, to congratulat their
embracing of the truthe in the mater of the sacrament.
A COMMISSION.
Sessioun 17.
" The Generall Assemblie of the kirk giveth their full power and
commissioun to their loved brethrein underwrittin ; that is to say,
Johne Areskine of Dun, Mr Eobert Pont, Mr Andrew Melvill, Mr
David Lindsey, Mr Thomas Buchanan, Mr Andrew Hay, Mr
Robert Bruce, Mr Johne Robertsone, Mr Alexander Rawsone,
Robert Grahame, Mr Patrik Galloway, David Fergusone, Mr
Nicoll Dagleish, Johne Porterfeild, James Andersone, Johne Dun-
cansone, Mr Adam Johnstoun, Mr Walter Balcalquall, Mr Robert
Grahame, Mr Andrew Clayhills, and Johne Brand, ministers of
Christ's Evangell, or to anie threttein of them, with all humilitie,
due submissioun, and reverence, to present to the king's Majestic,
and Lords of Articles of his Hienesse' parliament, suche articles,
heeds, and hmiible petitiouns, givin to them by the said Assemblie,
tending to the advancement of Christ's true religioun, and esta-
blishing of good discipline within the kirk of this realme ; and with
all earnest diligence, care, and travell, make supplicatioun and right
humble sute, that the samine may be granted, past in acts and
lawes, and be established and sett doun by his Majestic and noble
estats of his parliament : And therupon, if need sail be, to treat,
confer, and reasoun, and upon suche other maters and heeds as sail
be propovmed on his Majestie's behalfe ; and further, to give
answere to his Majestie's five articles propouned to this Assemblie,
and to resolve, and to proceed theranent, according to the instruc
tiouns givin to them. And to the effect that the said brethrein
mg,y be the readier and more resolute, that they conveene at Edin-
burgh, the tenth day of Julie nixt ; and what sail be proceeded or
done concerning the said commissioun in all points, to report again
to the nixt Generall Assemblie of the brethrein, firme and stable,
634 calderwood's historie 1587.
holding, and for to hold, what their said brethrein in the premisses
lawfullie leid to be done. Givin in the said Generall Assemblie of
the kirk, day, yeere, and place foresaid."
MR R. BRUCE, HIS CALLING TO THE MINISTRIE.
At this Assemblie, in the 14th Sessioun, the commissioners for
the toun of Edinburgh requeisted that Mr James Melvill, or Mr
Patrik Galloway, might be appointed to succeed in the place of
Mr James Lowsoun, their late pastor ; and incace there be lawfull
impediments, that they would appoint some other qualified man.
Mr James and Mr Patrik alledged sindrie impediments, which were
found lawfull ; wherupon the commissioners for the toun desired
that Mr Robert Bruce might be appointed to supplee that place.
The commissioners being removed, the whole brethrein voted the
said Mr Robert to be a meete pastor for the said flocke ; a man in-
dued with manie good qualiteis answerable to that place, and as-
sented, incace his owne consent might be obteaned ; and ordeanned
Mr Andrew Melvill, Mr David Lindsey, to travell with him in
their name, and to exhort him, in the name of God and of his kirk,
to accept the charge. In the 16th Sessioun, Mr Robert being pre-
sent, and desired to accept the said charge, declared he was not
yitt resolved to accept the samine simpUciter ; alwise, he would com-
municat his labours to that flocke till the nixt synod ; and if he
found himself then resolved, and meete for the charge, he sould
continue ; otherwise, he would be free.
Becaus there is mentioun heere made of the calling of Mr Robert
Bruce to the ministrie, and his ministrie proved so profitable to the
kirk of God, and powerful! to convert manie, I will heere sett doun
how the Lord prepared him, and after what manor he was inwardlie
called.
Mr Robert Bruce, secund sonne to the Laird of Airth, after Jie
had past his course in Philosophic at St Andrewes, was sent by his
father to France, where he studied the Lawes. After that he re-
turned to the countrie he was directed to attend on the court and
1587. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 635
sessioun, for his father's efFaires and his freinds'. Whill he is thu3
occupyed, the Lord beganne to worke mightilie in his conscience,
so that he had no rest nor confort but in the Word of God, and
companle of good men. Yitt his father's and freinds' imployment
made him to strive against the working of his conscience. He was
forced at last to be plaine with his father, that he could have no
rest in his minde unlesse he were suffered to goe to St Andrewes,
and studie Theologie. His father suffered him, but Mr Andrew
Melvill was forced to flee out of the countrie. Yitt continued Mr
Robert in his studeis, and at last assayed what gift God had be-
stowed upon him, for uttering that which he had studied. Walkino-
at a certane tyme in the feUds with Mr James Melvill, he said to
him, Or he cast himself again in that torment of conscience which
he had, in resistinoj the callino; of God to the studie of Theolosrie,
and to the ministrie, he [would] rather passe through a fire of brim-
stone half a myle long. He exercised first privatlie before Mr
James Melvill and Mr Robert Durie ; after that, in the schooles,
where the students had their privat exercises before the maisters ;
therafter, at the table ; and at last, on the Sabbath, in the morning.
The best affected people of the toun resorted to his doctrine. Mr
Andrew Melvill, perceaving how the Lord had wrought with him,
and that his doctrine was powerful], moved the kirk of Edinburgh
to seeke him at the Assemblie. He would not yeeld simpUciter,
but offered to take a tryell. For the further satisfactioun of the
reader, I will heere subjoyne his owne discourse of the maner of
his calling, dytted by himself.
" As tuiching my vocatioun to the ministrie, I was first called to
my grace before I obeyed my calling to the ministrie : He made
me first a Christian before he made me a minister. I repyned long
to my calling to the ministrie. Ten yeeres, at the least, I never lap
on horsebacke, nor lighted, but with a repyning and just accusing
conscience. At the last, it pleased God, (in the 81st yeere of
God, in the moneth of August, in the last night therof, being in
the place of Airth, lying in a chamber called the new loft chamber,
in the verie while I lay,) to cite me inwardlie, judiciallie, in my
G3G calderwood's historie 1587.
conscience, and to present all my shines before me in suclie sort,
that He omitted not a circumstance, but made my conscience to
see tyme, place, persons, als vivelie as in the houre I did them.
He made the devill to accuse me so audiblie, that I heard his voice
so vivelie as ever I heard thing, not being sleeping but awaking.
And so farre as he spake true, my conscience bare him record, and
testified against me verie cleerelie ; but when he came to be a false
accuser, and layed things to my charge which I had never done,
then my conscience failed him, and would not testifie with him.
And in these things that were true my conscience condemned me,
and the condemnator tormented me, and made me feele the wrathe
of God pressing me doun, as it were, to the lower hell ; yea, I was
so fearfuUie and extremelie tormented, that I would have beene
content to have beene cast in a caldroun of bote melted leid, to
have had my soule releeved of that unsupportable weight. Alwise,
so farre as he spake true, I confessed, restored God to his glorie,
and craved God's mercie, for the merits of Christ ; yea, appealed
ever to his mercie, purchassed to me by the blood, death, and pas-
sioun of Christ.
" This court of justice holdin upon my soule, it turned (of the
bottomlesse mercie of God) in a court of mercie to me : for that
same night, ere the day dew,' or er the sunne rose, he restrained these
fureis,and these outcryes of my just accusing conscience, and enabled
me to rise in the morning. There was a brother of the ministrie
that lay in the place this night beside me. I recommended my
dolorous estat to his prayers, but I found him a confortlesse con-
forter. Alwise, this visitatioun was the first motioun that chassed
me to my grace. I resisted long before ; but after this I resolved
to goe to St Andrewes to Mr Andrew Melvill, and there to lay out
my doleance in his bosome, and to communicat all my greeves with
him. It was long before I could gett leave to goe, my mother
made me suche impediment. My father at last condescended, but
my mother would not, whill I had denuded my hands of some lands
and casualiteis that I Avas infeft in : and that I did willinglie ; cast
' Dawned.
1587. OF THE KllJK Oi" SCOTLAND. 637
my clothes from me, my value and glorious apparell ; sent my hors
to the faire, and emptied my hands of all Impediments, and went
to the New Colledge. And there I abode long, ere I durst open
my mouth, I was so bashfull, and oppressed with shame and blush-
ing. Mr Andrew would have had me to the schooles to exercise,
but I durst not beglnne there. I was content at the last to be
heard privllic, and Avent to a chamber, and caused Mr James Mel-
vlll and Mr Robert Durle, and some of the best, heare me ; and
from that we went to the boord, and noted, and went to the
schooles, and taught my day about with great confluence and
great motloun, as there are manle yitt living can testifie.
"At the last, in the 87 yeere of God, in the moneth of Junie,
there was a Generall Assemblie to be holdin In Edinburgh, and Mr
Andrew tooke me over with him. At the same verie tyme Edin-
burgh laiked pastors ; and they made leit of some, and gave them
up to the Generall Assemblie, and putt In my name among the
rest, and would have me teaching amongst the rest, before the day
of the Assemblie. And after long Intreatie I condescended, and
taught upon the spirituall armour, In the sixt to the Ephesians.
The Assemblie sitteth doun, and was verie frequent. I remember
Mr Udall, the Englishman, was there, and sindrle other strangers.
At the last the leits come In questioun, who sould be chosin ?
Surelie, with universall consent, verie few excepted, I am chosin
and appointed. So It was layed upon me, sore against my will ;
for at this same tyme I had an outward calling to St Andrewes ;
with the consent of the whole universltle, and all the gentlemen
round about. And, surelie, I liked better to goe to St Andrewes,
for I had no will of the court, for I knew weill that the court and
we could never agree. And, therefore, I refused long the burthein
of Edinburgh, and Avent over to St AndrcAves. I remained no space
there, but incontinent I was sent for by the Proveist and Counsell
of Edinburgh : James Daly ell, the Provelst's goodsonne, and sin-
drle others, were sent for me. Lalth was I to goe. They threatned
me with authoritic. So I advised Avith my God, and thought It
meete to obey ; but not to take on fullie the burthein, but to assay
G38 calderwood's historie 1587.
onlie how the Lord would blesse my travells for a while. For I
found within me suche a parpan ' of iniquitie dividing between His
majestie's confortable presence and me, that I thought it was not
His majestie's pleasure that I sould take the full burthein upon
me whill this parjmn were demolished, and impediment removed.
And so, by processe of tyme, at the last I condescended, and I re-
mained not fullie twelve yeeres in Edinburgh, when I was chassed
out, and have been now banished these twentie-six yeeres. I was
twise in France : once before my calling ; nixt, in my calling, for
the mater of Gowrie ; and am not yitt free of continuall exercise,
yea, feares continuallic, to be putt away again. The Lord, of His
infinite mercie, end my course weill, end it with joy ; make me to
fight out a good fight, to keepe the faith, and to perfyte my mini-
strie with the approbatioun of my God in Christ, and good con-
science."
DU BARTES' JUDGEMENT OF THE BISHOP AND MR A. MELVILL.
About the end of June, Du Bartes, a Frenche gentleman, and
excellent poet, being in this countrie, accompanied the king to St
Andrev/es. The king calleth for Mr Andrew Melvill, and said, he
was come with a gentleman to have a lessoun. Mr Andrew an-
swered, that he had delivered his ordinarie lessoun alreadie before
noone. " That is all one," said the king. " I will have a lessoun
within an houre." But within lesse than an houre, the king came
to the schoole, and the universitie conveened. Mr Andrew taught
ex tempore, upon the governement of Christ's kirk, and in effect, re-
futed the whole acts of parliament made against our discipline.
The auditors were conforted, but the king was in anger all that
night. Mr Patrik Adamsone, called Bishop of St Andrewes, had a
lessoun prepared, which was an abridgement of all that he had taught
the yeere preceeding ; corrupt grounds of discipline, which he had
putt in the king's head. Mr Andrew went to his lessoun contrare to
his custome, and marked with a pcnne all his grounds and reasouns.
' A separation-wall.
1587. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 639
He caused ring the bell the same day at two after noone. The king
sent to him, and desired him to be moderat, and to have a regard
to his presence, otherwise threatned to discharge him. Mr An-
drew answered, that seing his tender cares were dangerously filled
with errors and untruthes by that wicked man, he could not suffer
them passe unrefuted ; and that the stopping of the breath of God's
mouth, and prejudice of the truthe being excepted, he sould other-
wise behave himself reverentlie in all respects. The king sent
againe, and desired it might be so ; and to tell him that he would
have his foure houres repast in the colledge, and drinke with him.
The king came to the lessoun. The bishop requeisted the king to
grant him libertie to answere, incace anie thing were spokin against
his doctrine. Mr Andrew, pretending as if he had none to medle
with but Papists, brought with him their workes, and readeth out
of them all the bishop's grounds and reasouns. When he had mani-
fested them to be plaine Poprie, he fell to confutatioun, with suche
invincible force of reasoun, and flood of eloquence, that the bishop
was dashed and stricken dumbe. When the lessoun was ended,
the king in his mother tongue made some distinguoes, discoursed a
prettie space upon them, and commanded the universitie to reve-
rence and obey the bishop. The bishop, notwithstanding, after that
day, beganne to be wearie of preaching, and to fall more and more
in disgrace. The king came to the colledge hall at foure houres,
where was prepared a bankett of wett and dry confectiouns, where-
at he made mlrrie, and after went to his hors. Du Bartes stayed,
and conferred an houre with Mr Andrew, and then followed after
the king. The king asked his judgement of the two. Du Bartes
answered, they were both learned ; but the bishop's lessoun was
prepared, and that Mr Andrew had readie a great store of all
kinde of letters within him ; and, beside, his spirit and courage was
farre above the bishop's. The king approved his judgement.
A PARLIAMENT.
Upon Wednisday, the 12th of Julie, the king and nobllitie being
minded to come to Edinburgh to hold a parliament, were stayed.
640 calderwood's iiistorie 1587.
partlie becaus the noblemen could not agree upon the bearing of
the honours, partlie becaus some of them contended for the first
vote In parliament. Bothwell and Crawfurd contended. But, in
end, Bothwell would not stay, becaus the counsell had found that
Crawfurd had the place before him. The Lord Fleeming and
Lord Hume challenged other to the combat. Upon Thursday,
the 13th of Julie, about foure after noone, the king and nobilitie
came to the Tolbuith, which was the Parliament Hous. The duke
caried the crowne, the Erie of Angus the sceptre, the Erie of
Huntlie the sword. Fleeming went to the place appointed for the
combat ; Hume was stayed by the toun of Edinburgh. The king
sent for them, and reconciled them. Upon Saturday, the 15th,
the king went to Falkland, and returned upon Wedinsday, the
twentie. Upon Saturday, the 23d, they raid again in pompe, and
the parliament ended.
In this parliament the king's perfyte age was declared; the
lawes made concerning the libertie of the kirk were ratified. An
act was made for punishing of Jesuits, seminarie preests, and their
recepters. Item, For punishment of troublers of the kirk, invaders
of ministers, excommunicated persons entering in the congregatioun
in tyme of administratioun of the sacraments and commoun
prayers. The commissioners appointed by the Generall Assemblie
to attend upon the parliament, were carefuU that nothing be con-
cluded prejudiciall to the libertie and discipline of the kirk, as it
was agreed upon in the Generall Assembleis preceeding the 1584
yeere. But little farther could they obteanc of the nobilitie. At
this tyme bishopricks, abbaccis, and pryoreis, were annexed to the
crowne. To this act of annexatioun the Bishop of St Andrewes
himself consented, howbeit it was the baine of episcopal power and
jurisdictioun. At this tyme the small barons obteaned, for fourtie
thowsand merkes, place to reasoun and vote in parliament. At this
parliament the erledome of Mortoun was ratified to the Erie of
Angus, notwithstanding the samine was before givin to Johne
Lord Maxwell, after the executioun of the Erie of Morton.
1587. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 641
COYNING OF ACHESONS DISCHARGED.
Upon the 7th of August, a discharge [was] published tocoyneache-
souns, or foure pennie peeces, in respect they were counterfooted
in England and other parts ; and a charge, that so manie as were
alreadie coyned sould have course, and that their printing yrons
to be delivered to the Treasurer.
THE PEST.
The pest brake up in harvest in Leith, by opening up of some
old kists, and in Edinburgh about the fourth of November, It
continued in these two towns this winter till Candlemesse.
CESFURD AND BALCLEUCH WAIRDED.
Cesfurde and Balcleuche were committed to waird, for making
incursiouns upon the borders of England this winter, to restore the
prisoners and goods again. Their wairding was urged by the Lord
Hounsden, who was sent doun, with six hundreth men, to keepe
the borders.
This winter the king commented upon the Apocalypse. Yitt
were the Catholicks practising bussilie, and preparing for the recept
of the Spaniards. The Pope by his bull prepared, or rather insti-
gated, them to rebell against Queen Elizabeth, for some pretended
reasouns alledged by him ; but, in truthe, the Spaniard aimed at
the conquesse of the whole He. The tenor of the Pop's declara-
tioun heere foUoweth : —
" Sixtus the Fyft, by the providence of God universall sheep-
heard of the flocke of Jesus Christ, to whom perteaneth the con-
tinuall and most lawfull successioun (without spott or blott) of the
governement of the Catholick kirk, beholding and seing the great
miserie in which the renowned countreis of England and Ireland
are fallin, (which in tyme past were so floorishing, by reasoun of
VOL. IV. 2 s
642 calderwood's historie 1587.
their most holie rellgioun and Christian obedience ;) and are now,
by the godlesse and wicked inhumane governement of Elizabeth,
their pretended queene, and some of her confederats and associats,
not onlie in a most dangerous estat, but also are become pesti-
lentious and pernicious to the whole bodie of Christianitie, and to
his Holinesse in lyke maner, not paying unto him his due and
lawfull rents, as he has of other natiouns, by the assistance of
Christian princes, for the ecclesiasticall discipline, and for prevent-
ing of all disorder ; seing Henrie the Eight, late King of England,
rebelling and revolting from the apostolick seate of Rome, perforce
separating himself from the Roman ecclesiasticall discipline, and
that Elizabeth, the usurper, presentlie continues in the same estat,
to the great danger and trouble of other her nighbour countreis,
still continuallie showing her self obdured and impenitent, in suche
sort, that without deposing her there is no hope, nor no meane to
reforme the countrie, nor keepe it Christianlie in peace and quiet-
nesse : Therefore it is, that his Holinesse, searching (as his duetie
is) to foresee for some suddan help and releefe thereto, being in-
spired of God for the universal tranquillitie of the Roman kirk,
and being moved with the love that he and his predecessors have
still taikin to the English natioun, as also, being required to the
same through the importune zeale of sindrie good Roman Catholicks
of the same natioun, yea, and of the pnncipall persons therof, he
has most earnestlie dealt and contracted with diverse princes and
potentats, and, in speciall, with the Most Mightie and Most Roman
Catholick King of Spaine, praying him to give his assistance, for
the duetie which he ought to the seate of Rome ; and for the
ancient love and freindship which has beene betuixt him and the
crowne of England, and for the singular freindship which he has
shewed to the Roman Catholicks of his countreis therabout, for
advancement of the ancient Roman Catholick faith ; and, finallie,
for the universall good of all Europ : and that he would serve him-
self with the power which the Omnipotent Power has givin him, to
depose that wife, and punish her assistcrs, which are so malicious
and troublesome to the whole world, and to the reformatioun and
1587. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 643
pacificatioun of kingdoms, frome which all men will reape suche a
great weale and commoun good. And, therefore, to lett the equitie
of this cans be knowne to all the world, and to give contentment
to the subjects of the said kingdoms, and, finallie, to publlshe the
just judgements of God upon her, his Holinesse has thought good
to decerne the sentence of this wife's punishment, and to declare
for what caus he was moved this way to proceed against her.
" In the first respect, She is a schismatick and an hei'etick, who
has beene excommunicated twise before hy two of my predecessors,
becaus she is obstinat and disobedient to God, and to the seate of
Rome. As also, becaus she most unadvisedlie and rashlie usurped
the supremacie and spirituall power over the soules of men, contrare
to all nature and reasoun, and against all divine lawes and holie
constitutlouns.
" Secundlie, Becaus she is unlawfullie gottin, conceaved, and
borne of an intestable adulteresse, Anna de Bulloigne, who was
beheaded for the said fact, committed by her brother with her,
called George de Bulloigne, in like maner beheaded for the same.
And so the said queene was not tailyeable for the said crowne, als
Weill by vertue of sindrie sentences of Pope Clement 7, and Pope
Paul 3, as also by her owne father, Henrie the Eight his owne
declaratioun.
"Thridlie, Becaus she has usurped the crowne by^ right and
reasoun, for the hinderances above specified ; as also, contrare tlie
intreated arguments betuixt the seate of Rome and the countrie of
England, for the reconciliatioun of the same, for the death of
Thomas Beccat, Bishop of Canterburle, in the tyme of King
Henrie 2d : That is to say, that none could lawfullie possesse the
crowne, without consent of the lawfuU bishop and soveran Bishop
of Rome, which was within short space renewed and recognosced
by Johne King of England, and confirmed by an oath : a turne
most profitable for the said kingdome, and done at the desire and
earnest requeist both of the nobilltle and commouns of the said
countrie. Further, becaus she persisteth, and still continueth, in
' Beyond.
644 CALDEliWOOD's IIISTOIIIE 1587,
the breaking of her oath made by her at her coronatioun, most
solemnelie swearing to further and mainteane the whole priviledges,
both ecclesiasticall and civill, of the said kingdom, by sindrie great
wrongs, outrages, extortiouns, incursioun», and other misorders
made by her, and suffered by her and hers to be done and used
upon the poore and innocent people of the two kingdoms, both of
England and Ireland, aneugh to have stirred up people of other
natiouns round about her against their owne lawfull princes, to the
subduing of manie soules, and to the destructioun of manie powerful!
natiouns and touns ; for the receaving and protecting of hereticks,
fugitives, rebells, and publict malefactors, to the great prejudice of
manie good Christians and their countreis ; and, likewise, for the
indrawing of the Turke, as an enemie most powerful] and cruell,
to surprise all Christendome, and trouble the whole commoun
weale therof ; for the long and horrible persecutioun of the sancts,
deposing, imprisoning, and tormenting of Roman bishops, and for
afflicting most miserablie, and wrongfullie putting to death, the
members, sancts, and holie Roman Catholicks ; for the unlawfull
and unnaturall imprisoning and putting to death (short while
since) of the most gratious princesse Marie, Queen of Scots, who,
upon her promise and offerance of protectioun and help, had fled
from her countrie to England ; for the outputting of the most true,
catholick, apostolick, Roman religioun, profaning of the seven holie
sacraments, cloisters, kirks, consecrated persons, memorials of
sancts, and of all things which might have served for eternall sal-
vatioun, in so farre as tuiched her particular ; for the degrading of
the ancient nobilitie, for the advancement of base and unworthie
people, ather of civill or ecclesiasticall digniteis, and fm'th setting
of justice ; and, finallie, becaus she absolutelie useth all kinde of
tyrannic, to the great dishonour and oppressioun of poore people,
to the pitifull tinsell of manie soules, and to the utter ruine of the
whole countrie.
" Heerefore, seing thir things are of suche nature, that manie
thinke her unworthie of a crowne, and others judge her unworthie
to live, that our ITolinessc, by vertue nnd gift of the Omnipotent
1587. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 645
God, and by our Roman apostolick autlioritie which has beene
givin to us, renewes the sentence of our predecessors, of Pope
Pius 5th, and Gregorie 13th, concerning the excoramunicatioun
and depositioun of the said Elizabeth. And farther, we excommu-
nicat her, and depose her of all royall digniteis, both of all titles
and rights, and pretentioun she has, or can have, to the crowns of
England and Ireland, discharging the subjects of both the king-
doms, and all others, of anie sort of subjectioun of oaths, and other
sort of obedience which they in anie tyme past gave to her, or to
anie other whatsomever, in her name defendant ; discharging them
therfra, under the paine of incurring the curses of God, and excom-
municating them, and punishing them bodilie, according to their
demerit : And that none of what calling and conditioun that ever
he be, after the understanding of the same, be so bold as to shew
her anie obedience or favour, or to assist her in anie thing what-
somever ; but that everie one, according to their power, employ
themselves, so farre as they can, to chastise and punish her, who
has so farre runne headlongs sindrie wise, both from God and the
Catholick Roman ; to the end that she, seing her self abandoned of
all worldlie helpe, and cast off of all men, may confesse her fault,
and committ her self most humblie to the justice of the Most
Mightie.
" For this cans, then, we make it knowne to all the inhabitants
of the said countreis, and to all others, to take good heed to obey
thir presents, and make no assistance, nather privat nor publict, to
the said Elizabeth and her assisters ; but presentlie to couple them-
selves to the Catholick armie, led by the high and victorious prince,
Alexander Famese, Prince of Parma, in name and behalfe of his
Catholick Majestic ; everie man, according to his power, to helpe
and assist him as is aforesaid, to the deposing and punishing of the
saids persons, and for establishing the Roman Catholick faith ; de-
claring by thir presents to all the disobeyers of the same, they sail
not escape from their punishment, according to their demerits.
" As also, it is to be understood, that the intentioun of his Holi-
nesse, nor of the Prince of Parma, is not tosuppresse orconqueisse.
646 calderavood's historie 1587.
at this interprise, the two kingdoms ; to bereave anie ather of
their lives or goods, but onlie the obstinat and rebellious ; ather to
imbring into anie of the said kingdoms anie alteratioun ; ather
that a2:reement will not be made betuixt our Holinesse and his
JVIajestie Catholick, as the estats of the country sail find necessar
and expedient, for restoring and establishing the Roman Catholick
religioun, and for the punishment of the said usurpatrix and her
adherents : Assuring everie persoun, that whatsomever debate or
controversie sail happin to turne or come, by deposing of the said
wife, or anie other cans betuixt particular persons, ather concern-
ing the successioun to the crowne ; or betuixt the kirk and policie,
or anie other difference that may happin, sail be appeased and
agreed conforme to right and reasoun, justice and Christian equitie,
without wrong or prejudice to anie.
" And likewise, there sail not onlie good order be taikin concern-
ing the Cathollcks which have beene pilled of their goods, and suf-
fered so muche, but also, there sail be granted pardoun to all who,
being sorie and repenting of their misdeeds, sail submit themselves
to the Captane Generall of the armie. As also, as the bimte is,
there are manie innocents that are deceaved through not knowing
the Catholick faith, and, notwithstanding, are reckoned among the
hereticks, our intentioun is, not to punishe suche persouns, but gra-
tiouslie to suffer them, untill the time, by conference of the learned
doctors, they may be instructed in the Veritie : Providing alwise,
that in the meane time, they show not themselves obstinat, seing,
by thir meanes, we seeke to eshew the efFusioun of Cln-istian blood,
and ruine of the countrie, which the principall persons being cul-
pable of the crymes above-writtin, make them to understand.
This is the caus wherefore we declare by thir presents, that it is
not permitted to everie one, whether publict or privat, by and at-
tour these who are workers of this interprise, to arreist, imprissoun,
putt hand in, or deliver to the Catholick party the said usurper,
or anie of her complices, but the same sail be holdin for a singular
good service, and sail be worthie recompensatioun, according to the
qualltie of these that sail doe the same.
1587. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 647
" Also, all others who, in anie time past, have givin anie helps,
or heerafter may helpe or give assistance, for punishment of the
foresaid malefactors, or re-establishment of the Roman Catholick
religioun in these kingdoms, sail receave suche good deid, as they
sail be rewarded with suche digniteis and honom's, as the commoun
wealth and their good service sail requu'e : As that, in like maner,
a speciall regard saU be had to the ancient lordships, and noble fa-
mileis in the countrie, in so farre as can be. And there sail be made
free pasports to all these that will conjoyne themselves to the Ca-
tholick Roman, to take men, munitioun, and victualls, and suche
other things necessarie, promising them good payment for all
things they sail bring to them : Commanding, also, all maner of
men, according to their power, to furnishe helpe to the same, to
the end there be no occasioun to oversee the rigour in punishing
suche as misregard this commandement. Finallie, We, according
to the fatherlie love which we carie to this interprise, yitt UberaUie
give out of the spirituall treasure of the holie kirk (of the which we
have the keeping and dispensatioun) to all the assisters and helpers
in anie sort whatsomever, to the dispossessing and punishing of the
foresaids persons, and to the reformatioun of the two kingdoms,
full remissioim and pardoun of all their sinnes, having repented
and confessed, as they must doe, according to the holie lawes and
divine institutiouns of the Roman kirk, and use of the commoun
people therof."
The rumour of the Spanish navie and armie being blazed abroad,
great was the feare, fervent were the prayers of the godhe, not
without abundance of teares, sighes, and sobs, in tyme of fast ;
powerfuU and piercing were the sermouns of the preachers. Some-
times the report went that they had landed at Dunbar, other times
at St Andrewes or Aberdeen, some times at Cromartie. Albeit,
the Spanish provisioun for three yeeres past was wondrous great,
both by sea and by land, yitt did they conceale their intent so farre
as they could, till they were fuUie provided. The King of Spaine
and the Spaniards caried a revengefull minde against the English,
648 calderwood's uistokie 1588.
for the domages they had receaved by Hawkhis, Christmasse,
Ryman, and Drakes, by sea ; for aiding the Hollanders, for inter-
teaning Don Antonio, competitour to the crowne of Portugall,
crowned in Lisbone. He was no doubt desirous to reduce England
to the Roman faith. But his checfe desire Avas to possesse himself
of this Yle, partlie for the worth of it, partlie to be the more able
to subdue the confederat provinces in the Netherlands, and to se-
cure the East and West Indeis. Queen Elizabeth, for two yeeres'
space, caused the preachers make knowne to the congregatiouns
the King of Spain's preparatioun by sea, the Duke of Parma his
extraordinar provisioun in Flanders, and the secreit practises of
the Duke of Guise in France for leveing of souldiours, and the
dissimulatioun of the Frenche king. So the English were pre-
pared as with one heart for defence and resistance.
M.D.LXXXVIII.
There were manie ancient and strange propheceis concerning
this yeere. Excellent astronomers foretold it to be fatall to all
estats ; and if the world did not perish, yitt there sould be great
alteratiouns in kingdoms and empyres, so that, therafter, it sould
be called the yeere of wounders. Among other propheceis, this
following was most coramoun in men's mouthes : —
Post mille expletos a partu virginis annos,
Et post quingentos rm'sus ab orbe datos
Octogesimis octavus, mirabilis annus
Ingruet ; is secum tristia fata feret.
Si non, hoc anno, totus malus occidit orbis,
Si non in nihilum terra fretumque ruent ;
Cuncta tamen mundi sursum ibuut, atque retrorsum,
Jmperia, ct luctus undique grandis crit.
1588. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 649
When after Christ's bu'th there be expired
Of hundreds, fyfteen yeeres eightie and eight,
Then comes the tyrae of dangers to be feared.
And all mankinde with dolours it sail fright.
For if the world in that yeere doe not fall ;
If sea and land then perishe, ne decay,
Yitt impyres all and all kingdoms alter sail.
And man to ease himself sail have no way.
Yitt did this, and other like propheceis, resolve onlie upon the
invasioun in this Yle. But the Lord disappointed the interprisers,
and fouoht for us.
THE * * GENERALL ASSEMBLIE.
The Generall Assemblie conveenned at Edinburgh in the Little
Kirk, upon the sixt of Februar. Exhortatioun being made by Mr
Andrew Melvill, Principall of the New Colledge of St Andrewes,
Moderator of the last Assemblie, Mr Robert Bruce was chosin Mo-
derator. For the readier expeditioun of maters to be treatted, the
Assemblie nominated the king's commissioners, the Maister of
Lindsey, my Lord of Altrie, the Laird of Lochbait, the Constable
of Dundie, the Tutor of Pitcurr, the Lairds of Colluthie, Caprin-
toun, Whittinghame, Carnall, Mr Johne Lindsey, one of the Sena-
tors of the Colledge of Justice, Johne Johnstoun, one of the Com-
missioners for Edinburgh, Alexander Scrimgeour, Commissioner
for Dundie, William Meinzeis, Mr Robert Pont, Mr David Lind-
sey, Mr Andrew Melvill, Mr Thomas Buchanan, Mr Peter Blek-
burne, William Christesone, to concurre with the moderator, and
advise upon the speciall maters to be reasouned and treatted in the
Assemblie, at extraordinarie houres.
Becaus the Assemblie was extraordinarilie conveenned, for the
great dangers which appeared to hang over the kirk and countric,
whicli were, at lenth, dilated by the moderator, it was propouned,
650 calderwood's historie 1588.
what might be the readiest way to quenche Poprie, which had spread
through all the parts of the countrie. It was thought best, that the
barons and gentlemen conveene apart, the commissioners of bur-
rowes apart, and the ministers apart, at foure houres, and advise
upon the best overtures they could ; and, therafter, propone the
same to the moderator and his assessors. The brethrein and com-
missioners of countreis were desired to give in the names of Papists
and Jesuits in writ the nixt day to the full Assemblie ; but special-
lie Mr Peter Blekbume, and Mr Hugh FouUerton, to give in evi-
dences for the provinces where they dwell.
CONCERNING PAPISTS AND PLANTATION OF KIRKS.
Sessioun 3.
Tuiching the heed propouned yesternight concerning a present
remedie for purging this land of Papists and idolaters, the noble-
men and barons, for their part, presented their advices in writt to
the Assemblie, which were read, and by commoun consent of the
whole Assemblie thought verie meet and expedient. Alwise, first,
it seemed good, that a number of the noblemen, barons, and mini-
sters, sould be directed to his Majestic, to witt, Archibald Erie of
Angus, my Lord Marshall, my Lord of Marr, my Lord Altrie, my
Lord Sinclair, the Lairds of Coldingknowes, Lochlevin, Tutor of
Pitcurr, Constable of Dundie, Mr Alexander Scrimgeour, Johne
Adamsone, Mr David Lindsey, Mr Patrik Galloway, David Fer-
gusone, Mr Robert Pont, Mr Peter Blekburne, to conferre and
communicat with his Majestic upon the same heed, at suche an
houre as they sould receave advertisement from the Chanceller.
Followeth the tenoi* of the said advice : —
1588. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 651
THE ADVICE OF THE NOBLEMEN, BARONS, AND GENTLEMEN,
TUICHING THE HEED PROPONED IN THE ASSEMBLIE FOR PURG-
ING THE LAND OF IDOLATRIE, AND SEDITIOUS INTYSERS.
1. " That the lawes of the countrie be, without delay, putt to
executiouu against all Jesuits, seminarie preests, idolaters, and
mainteaners of the samine. And for that effect, everie man, als
weel of the gentlemen as of the ministrie heere assembled, sail, as
they will answere to God, and as they tender his glorie and the
weale of his kirk, give up presentlie in catalogue to the moderator
and the clerk, the names of suche whom they know and esteeme to
be Jesuits, seminarie preests, traffiquers against religioun, recepters,
interteaners, or mainteaners of suche persons. The which names
sail be givin to Sir Robert Melvill, Treasurer, who hath promised,
within forty-eight houres therafter, to dispatche summouns upon
them all.
2. " Seing the danger created by the said persons is imminent,
and it is true, that the ordinar and formall executioun of the saids
lawes sail require a large processe of tyme, his Majestic and counsell
to be earnestlie solicited and urged to provide incontinent some
extraordinarie remedie for the extraordinarie danger, and execute
the same without delay upon the cheefest of the Jesuits and their
maintenars ; doing as if treason were intended against his Majes-
tie's owne persoun and crowne.
3. " And last. If the Assemblie sail thinke it expedient, the saids
noblemen, barons, and gentlemen, presentlie assembled, sail goe
together to his Majestie, and regrait the caus of the kirk and cora-
moun weale to his Hienesse, and the danger wherin the libertie of
this realme, their lives, and consciences, standeth into, by the craft
of Jesuits and traffiquers, who have seduced and stirred up ene-
meis both intestine and forrane, to bereave them of the samine ;
and offer themselves, their lives, lands, and freinds, to be imployed
at his Majestie's pleasure, for preventioun of their most dangerous
attempts and bloodie devices."
652 calderwood's historie 1588.
Sessiouji 5.
Tulching the diligence of the ministrie in trying the affectioun
of the noblemen, barons, and gentlemen, to the rcligioun, becaus
a part heerof hath beene neglected, and shortnesse of tyme, and
ignorance pretexed in excuse, the Assemblie exhorteth the brethrein
which have beene remisse in doing their duetie heerin, without anie
delay to supplee their negligence and travells in all parts where the
samine hath beene committed, as they will answere to their duetie ;
and ordeaneth Mr Nicoll Dagleish, and Mr Adam Johnston, to
passe to the Lord Hume, now being in this toun, and preciselie
urge an answere in the said mater.
Sessioun 6.
The Lords directed to the king's Majestic reported, they had
conferred at lenth with his Grace upon some generall heeds, as
namelie, concerning Papists, planting of kirks, discipline, and the
poore ; of whom they receaved verie good and confortable answeres,
as namelie, that there was more mister of executioun against
Papists nor advising ; and that his Hienesse was glade of the so-
lemnitie of the Assemblie, and before the dissolutioun therof, desii'ed
they sould resort to him, where they sould heare farther of his good
will. Yitt becaus there were manic particulars under the said ge-
neralls, his Grace had appointed six of his counsell to conferre with
so manic as the Assemblie on the other side sail appoint, the
morne : To the which effect, for the part of the Assemblie, the As-
semblie nominated the Lairds of Wedderburne, Colluthie, Caprin-
toun, Onnestoun, Whittinghame, Johnc Johnstoun, Alexander
Scrimgeour, William Meinzeis, Oliver Peebles, Mr Robert Pont,
Mr David Lindsey, Mr Andrew Melvill, Mr Peter Blekburne.
Sessioun 8.
Tuiching the conference of the brethrein appointed by the As-
semblie with the king's commissioners after noone yesterday, report
being made by Mr David Lindsey, in name of the rest, that they
1588. 0¥ THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 653
had conferred upon two heeds, viz., planting of kirks, and a visita-
tioun to be had of the dangerous parts of the countrie where
Papistrie and corruptioun hath cheefelie made the brasche.^ And
as concerning the planting of kirks, and provisioun, they had found
it good that the Laird of Colluthie, Mr Johne Lindsey, the Clerk
of Register, and Mr Johne Nicolsone, with suche as the As-
semblie sould nominat, sould sitt doun and examine what the
summe of the whole thrids will amount to in victuall and money,
what is givin out to the kirk, what in pensiouns, and what to the
king's hous, that it may be considered how the present necessitie of
the kirk may be helped, without prejudice of the full patrimonie
therof. And to that effect, desired the Assemblie to nominat for
their part, to conveene, as the Chanceller sould give advertisement .
to the Avhich the Assemblie nominated Mr David Lindsey, Mr
Robert Pont, Mr Thomas Buchanan. And siclyke, it was thought
good the Assemblie sould nominat certane persons of the ministrie
to visite the dangerous parts of the countrie, wherunto the king's
Grace would interpone his authoritie, and joyne certane to concurre
with them. For the which effect, the Assemblie hath nominated
for the north, Mr Robert Pont, Mr Peter Blekburne, Mr NicoU
Daglcish ; Mr David Lindsey, Mr Robert Hepburne, Mr Adam
Johnstoun, for the south ; the speciall heeds of their commissioun,
and the tyme for using therof, to be penned by the said Mr Robert
and Mr David.
Sessioun 14.
The articles penned by Mr Robert Pont and Mr James Melvill
being presented to the Assemblie, read> and publictlie allowed,
were thought mecte to be presented to his Grace, by Mr Robert
Pont, Mr Andrew Melvill, Mr Patrik Galloway, Mr Peter Blek-
burne, Mr David Lindsey. The tenor of the articles, with the
greevcs to be presented to the king's Majestic, followeth : —
' Attack.
654 calder-svood's historie 1588.
THE HUMBLE SUTE OF THE KIRK PRESENTLIE CONVEENED AT
THE GENERALL ASSEMBLIE TO THE KING'S MAJESTIE.
" Sir, Your Majestie remerabretli the caus of conveenning of this
Assemblie, at your Hienesse' command ; which consisteth princi-
pallie iu two points : The one, for repressing of Jesuits and other
Papists who are entered in this realme, and practise, with their
complices, by all meanes to subvert the sinceritie of religioun pub-
lictlie professed within the same ; and the other, to provide suche
meanes, that in tyme comming suche dangerous practises may be
avoided and eshewed,
" As to the former two heeds, to give our counsell and advice to
your Majestie, as it was devised and appointed we sould doe at this
Assemblie, and for the which caus, namelie, the samine was ap-
pointed, this is the advice which we thinke most convenient, and
the things with all humilitie we sute to be performed ; to witt, that
some of the principalis of Jesuits, and others, sail instantlie be
taikin order with, to give exemple and terrour to the rest ; to witt,
Mr James Gordon, and Mr William Crichton, who are instantlie in
this toun, that they be incontinent called before your Hienesse and
counsell, and there to be declared to them how their lives are in
your Majestie's hands, for controveening of your Hienesse' lawes,
and yitt, of your Grace's clemencie, doeth spaire them : Charging
them, in the meane tyme, to reraaine in waird within the toun of
Edinburgh, untill the tyme of the passing of the first shippes that
sail depart, wherin they sail be entered and sent away ; and that it
be denounced, that incace they returne at anie tyme heerafter in
this realme, without your Hienesse' speciall licence, the law sail
be executed against them to death, without anie farther processe.
" Nixt, That the Lairds of Fintrie, and Glenbervie younger, and
other excommunicated Papists as sail be givin up in bill, sail be
called before your Hienesse and Secreit Counsell, and suche things
layed to their charge as they are culpable of, according to the
lawes and acts of parliament, that the penaltie therof may be exe-
cuted upon them ; and suche as are apostats frome the true reli-
1588. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 655
gioun, which once they professed, be called in like maner and
punished.
'' Item, That summouns be presentlie directed against all recepters
of Jesuits, seminarie preests, and traffiquers against true religioun ;
and, likewise, to summoun witnesses, by whose depositiouns they
may be convicted of the crimes foresaids ; and in speciall, that
suche as are of the estate, and are culpable of Papistrie or apostasie,
sail on no wise be suffered, but called and convicted therof. And
if they be convicted of other crymes, sail on no wise be pardouned
untill the tyme they have satisfied als weill the Assemblie as his
Majestic and estat. And, generallie, that all noblemen whatsom-
ever without exceptioun, knowne interteaners of Papists, and in-
terprising anie thing contrare the true religion, sail ather be putt
presentlie in waird or exiled the countrie.
" As concerning the secund heed, of planting of kirks, this is our
advice unto your Hienesse, that commissioners be directed from
your Majestic, and from this Generall Assemblie, unto the north
and south-west parts in speciall, to the effect that the kirks may be
visited, and ministers planted where need requireth, and Papistrie
suppressed, which hath overflowed all these parts; the saids com-
missioners having commissioun and power, als weill of your Ma-
jestic as of the kirk, to call before them all that are suspected of
perverting true religioun, as revolting therefra ; suche, at the least,
as they may take order with, and to doe all other things necessar
for reformatioun of these parts, and reducing them to good order,
providing meanes how the doctrine and discipline may be weill
established to remaine heerafter, where they sail passe, and ample
commissiouns to be givin to them for this effect. For the which
cans, we have nominated in this Assemblie certane brethrein of the
rainistrie, leaving the nominatioun of others to be joyned with them
to your Majestic and counsell. And becaus the said worke cannot
passe fordward unlesse there be provisioun also made for the com-
missioners of the kirk, as ministers, to be planted in necessar places,
that certane be deputed from the counsell, with certane of the
ministrie, at the least to the number of three on either side, to con-
050 calderwood's iiistokie 1588.
veene with all good expeclitiouii, and sight the rolls of the thrids,
that it may be considered what may be spaircd to that effect. And
where the saids thrids have been abused in tymes bypast, to see
how the samine may be reformed ; and that the act made for dis-
charging of pensiouns out of the thrids and superplus, and pi'ocla-
matioun past therupon, may take full force and effect, and not be
eluded nor frustrated by anie person. The which except it be, the
said planting can not take effect.
" And alwise giving power to the saids commissioners to be sent
in the countreis, to reforme colledges and schooles ; and where the
rent therof is abused, to putt convenient remeed thereto, and where
it may not serve, to see how it may be helped. And that sufficient
men be placed in the rowme of ydle bellcis, that consume the patri-
monie therof, and doe not their duetie therefore. With power in
like maner to depose from the office of the ministrie, and from their
benefices, all suche as sail be found unworthie or slanderous in life
or doctrine, and that als weill bishops as others.
" Moreover, that it would please your Majestic and Counsell to
take some solide order how that the lawcs made for punishment of
vices which overgoe the whole land, and commissions appointed
theranent, may take some good effect and executioun, if the heavie
plagues of God which, for that cans, ly upon this land, may be re-
moved, and greater threatned, prevented.
"And, last, that order be taikin with the poore that in suche
multituds wander through the countrie without ather law or reli-
gioun."
CERTAN GREEVES OF THE GENERALL ASSEMBLIE OF SCOTLAND AS-
SEMBLED IN EDINBURGH, GIVIN IN TO HIS MAJESTIE THE 20tH
OF FEBRUAR 1587.
" First, and above all other things, it is an exceeding great
greefe to all suche as have anie spunke ' of the love of God and his
kirk, to see Jesuits, seminarie preests, and other teachers of Papistrie
' Spark.
1588. OF THE KUIK OF SCOTLAND. 657
and errour, so long to be suffered to pollute tlils land with idolatrie,
corrupt and seduce the people, and spread abroad their poysonable
doctrine : to see practisers and traffiquers against the true reli-
gioun, and the present libertie of this realme, to be recept, main-
teaned, and interteanned, to bring to passe their most dangerous
devices and comploits ; and the receptors, interteaners, and main-
teaners, and professed favourers of both the one and the other, so to
abound everie where, and not onlie to be tolerated impune, without
executioun of the lawes of the countrie made against suche per-
souns, but also to have speciall credit, favour, and furtherance, in
all their effaires at court, in sessioun, to burgh, in land, throughout
all the realme. And, on the other part, to behold the true Word
of God contemptuouslie despised by the great multitude, his holie
sacraments horriblie profanned by privat, corrupt, and unlawfull
persons, the discipline of the kirk nothing sett by, the persons of the
ministers and officers within the same invaded, strickin, minassed,
and shamefullie abused, themselves beggered, and their famileis
shamefullie hungered ; and yitt, notwithstanding, nather the lawes
made for punishment of idolatrie putt to executioun, nather suffi-
cient lawes made for the libertie and weelefare of the kirk, nor suche
as are made caused to take a good effect for removing of the said
fearefull enormiteis ; lyke as, by the particulars after following, la-
mentablie compleaned by the severall kirks in everie part of this
realme, is more nor manifest.
IN THE SOUTH ABOUT DUMFREIS.
" Mr Johne Durie, Jesuit, corrupting, seducing, and practising
to and fro, under the name of Mr William Laing, who, with his
complices, had masse within the toun of Dumfreis, before Pasche
and Yuile last was ; the Lord Hereis, the Laird of Kilquhomate,
the Goodman of Drumrushe, Mr Honer Maxwell, commissar, Johne
Mackgie, commissar-clerk, Johne Bryce, merchant, Johne Rig,
notar, Paul Thomsone, my Ladie Hereis, elder and younger, my
Ladie Morton, the Ladie * * the Ladie Tweddail, Papists, apos-
tats, maintcaners, interteaners, and professed favourers of Jesuits.
VOL. IV. 2 T
658 calderwood's historie 1588.
Itenif There is a certane woman that doeth no lesse hurt in Duni-
freis than the Jesuits, called Katherine Haiz'stains : no resorting to
heare the Word there, no discipline ; holie dayes keeped by plainc
commandement and controlling of the deacouns of the crafts ; all
superstitions, ryotousnesse, at Yuile and Pasche, &c. ; no kirks
planted there.
THE NORTH.
" Mr James Gordoun, Mr Edmund Hay, Mr Alexander Mack-
quhirrie, Mr Johne Scot, Mr Alexander jNleldrum, INlr Arthure
Pantoun, Jesuits, inccssantlie corrupting, make residence cheefelie
in Murrey, Elly, Boyne, and Stx-abogie, and Boote; seducing
everie where in Buchan, Garioch, Marr, Aberdeen. The houses
they commounlie repaire unto are the Laird of Leslie's hous, elder,
Andrew Harvie's hous, and his mother, Mr Alexander Leslie of
the Peele, excommunicated for Papistrie, the Chanceller's hous of
Old Aberdeen, and to young Glenbervie, excommunicated, where
they have their house masses at their pleasure ; and, namelie, a
publict masse erected in the Laird of Leslie's chappell, with two
idols above the altar ; and there have maried two commoun adul-
terers, harlots, named Autonie Practur and Jonet Wilsone, who
would never give obedience to the kirk.
" Item, These Jesuits conveene to the toun of Old Aberdeen,
and have their meeting with Papists of the New and Old Toun,
diverting manie, and confirming their disciples, dispersing their
bookcs, and giving of their Apms Dei. And as to the recepters,
they are so manie, that few or no honest men are in the whole
countrie, that ather for feare or favour have not recept the Jesuits,
professed Papists ; as namelie, the Bishop of Posse challenging the
personage of * * where Mr Walter Pichartson, a mini-
ster, persoun, is lawfullie provided, is repossessed, to dispossesse the
minister. Siclyke, Mr Patrik Mortoun, an excommunicated preest
in * * challenging the personage of * * to dis-
possesse Mr George Patersonc, minister there.
1588. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 659
" Item, The whole commoun kirks, as Fordice, and the kirks
annexed thereto ; the kirks of Rathyn, Logilichan, and Kildrynnie,
Cabroch, Logymar, are givin to the Erie of Huntlie, to the dis-
possessing of Mr Gilbert Gairdin, Mr Duncan Davidsone, Mr
James Cheyn, and Mr Thomas Melvill, and the whole readers of
the said kirks.
" Item, There is no visitatioun within the said bounds, by rea-
soun Mr Peter Blekburne is compelled to desist therefra, by di-
verse charges of the king's letters, purchassed by the Bishop of
Aberdeen ; the kirks of Deir are all frustrated of their stipends, and
the ministers thereof not * * * according to their
provisioun made in my Lord Marshall's infeftment. The cheefe
and principall kirks, Ellon, Fyvie, Tarvesse, Lochy-durnoch, Kyn-
tore, Innerag, destitut altogether of pastors and provisioun, which
is a speciall commoun greefe through all the countrie.
IN ROSSE.
" Mr Johne Leslie restored to the bishoprick of Rosse in the
last parliament. Item, Mr Alexander Leslie, Person of Kirken, in
Posse, newlie provided, a professed Papist, and excommunicated
for the same by the Presbyterie of Aberdeen. Item, Sir Donald
Simsone, Papist, profaner of the sacrament of baptisme, and abuser
of mariage. Item, Diverse Papists and contemners of the sacraments,
whose names follow : Alexander Rosse of Ballingown, Alexander
Chisholme of Comer, Alexander Ferme, and Finlay Ferme, his
Sonne, of PitteUan. And, finallie, there is a great coldnesse
amongst all, both gentlemen and commouns, entered in, since the
Jesuits had libertie to passe through the countrie, in the tyme of
the Erie of Huntlie's lieutenantrie : the kirks are everie Avhere de-
molished and ruinous, which is a commoun greefe through manie
parts of the land.
660 calderwood's historie 1588.
CATHNESSE.
" The Erie of Sutherland, with his ladie and freinds, Papists,
vehementlie suspected latelie to have had niasse, and contemners
of the Word and Sacraments. Item, Verie few ministers there,
and all destitute of provisions.
MERNES AND ANGUS.
" William Dowglas, sonne to the Laird of Glenbervie, hath
caused onbesett, at sindrie tymes, two of the ministrie, to witt,
Mr George Gladstaines and Mr Andrew Mylne, and that Avith
armed men, at their houses, and lying in wait for them about their
houses ; and, were not the releefe of God and good men, had
taikin their lives.
ANGUS.
" Papists and their maintcaners in the west parts of Angus :
Patrik Lord Gray, under the processe of excommuuicationn, Mr
Thomas Gray, excommunicated, Sir Johne Fife, prcest in Long-
forgund, David Grahame of Fentrie, excommunicated ; James
Grahame, younger, hath a brother a Papist. Thomas Abercrumbie
of Middlegouide, having subscribed, communicateth not, but con-
tinucth a commoun reasoner against religioun, in defence of
Papistrie, and receaver of Jesuits, Papists, and seminarie preests ;
Patrik Lindsay, brother to the Laird of Vane, a reasoner against
the truthe in evcrie place ; Mr Andrew Clerk, servitour to my Lord
Hume, fugitive in Angus, traflliquing in sindrie places to under-
myne the Gospell ; avowing himself a Papist, and blasphemouslie
railinjr against the AYord, and ministers thereof.
" Item, Mr George liaitlie, minister at Abirnyt, cruellie invaded
by Thomas Boyd, and in redding of them a man slaine.
1588. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 661
FYFE.
" No resorting to the kirk. In manie parts the kirks are ruinous,
and destitut of pastors and provisioun in manie parts. There is
superstitious keeping of Yuile, Pasche. They compleane that the
Lords of the Sessioun keepe not their ordinar dayes, to witt,
Wedinsday and Fi^yday, for calHng of the ministers' actiouns.
" Item, Mr Thomas Dowglas, minister of Logy, was cruellie in-
vaded by Johne Forret, brotlier to the Laird of Forret, as he came
from his kirk on Sunday, and his blood shed, and no remedie putt
therto.
" Iteyn, The Abbacie of Dumfermline glvin to the Erie of
Huntlie, to the which he resorting, bringeth with him flocks
of Papists, Jesuits, and excommunicated Papists, as Mr James
Gordoun, Mr William Crichtoun, the Laird of Fentrie.
" Item, The Bishop of Sanct Andrewes continueth in giving col-
latioun of benefices to unworthie persouns, by the consent of his
assessors ; namelie, to Mr William Thomsoun the personage of
Fliske, and to Mr Andrew Allane the vicarage of Leuchars.
" Item, The said bishop is most injurious to Mr David Spence,
withholding from him a whole yeere's stipend, which he was
assigned to pay him. And notwithstanding he hath him at the
home, yitt he can gett no payment, nor order of him.
LOTHIAN, PRESBYTERIE OF EDINBURGH.
" Sindrie Papists and seminarie preests confessing themselves to
have said masse, and preached Papistrie within this land, being
apprehended by the magistrats of Edinburgh, and putt in waii'd,
are sett at libertle without anie punishment, or satisfactioun to the
kirk ; as by name, Mr Alexander Mackquhirrie, Mr James Scot,
and others.
" The Presbyterie of Dalkeith compleaneth, that manie of their
kirks are destitute of pastors and provision, unto the which Papists
662 CALDEEWOOD'S HISTORIE 1588.
flocke and resort, and that sindrie of their mlnistrie are bereft of
their stipends by annexatioun, as namehe, Mr Andrew Simsone,
whose whole stipend is talkin away, and givin to the Abbot of
Newbottle.
MERGE AND TIVIOTDAILL.
" The principall men of the countrie corrupt in religioun, as name-
lie, the Laird of Edmistoun ; my Lord Hnme letting his owne
kirk ly waist, and mainteanning Mr Andrew Clerk, a malicious
enemie to the Gospell, and ministers therof; the whole people
readie to revolt from the Evangell, becaus they see the prince care-
lesse therof ; the sacraments profaned by deposed readers, and some
that never bare office in the kirk, as namelie. Sir Thomas Ker in
Aldroxburgh, Sir Johne Hall in East Tiviotdaill, Robert Hepburne
there, Archibald Simsone beside Jedburgh, Johne Scot there,
James Scot, called Vicar of Askirk, Thomas Newbitt, Vicar at
Hassinden, Thomas Hall in Rowart, Simon Robesone, and some
other ; manie superstltlouns, pilgrimage, and keeping of holie dayes,
&c. Item, Professed Papists, Sir John Bennet, excommunicated
for Papistrie ; the Ladie Phairnihirst, the Ladie Minto, who hor-
riblie usurj^ed the ministratioun of the Supper of the Loi'd upon
Pasche day, with her hands, with bread and water ; the Ladie
Riddell, Bartill Johne in Simprein. The greatest part of the kirks
want ministers, and the Word altogether vilipended by the gentle-
men of the countrie.
PRESBYTERIE OE LANERK.
" There is not a minister resident in the toun of Lanerk, howbeit
it be the cheefe toun of the shyre, becaus the minister hath other
kirks annexed to him, where he findeth a place of residence ; and
can find none in the said toun, for the vicarage of the said toun is
usurped, without collatioun, by Gawin Hamiltoun, servitour to my
Lord Chancellor. Therefore, the Chanceller would be solicited in
this mater to make his servant leave the said vicarage to the
1588. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 663
minister there, according to the act of parliament, and good con-
science.
STIRLINE.
" Walter Buchanan, sent to the Goodman of Auchinpryer, and a
Flemis woman, his "wife, both obdm'ed Papists, and have caused a
preest latelie baptize their barnc : Maistresse Helene Hay, Mais-
trcsse of Livingstoun, a malicious Papist. The Sabbath there is
everie where abused ; the kirks evill planted, skarse three have a
minister; superstitious ceremoneis, pilgrimages to Christ's Well,
fasting, festives, bone-fires, girdles, carralls, and suche like.
OF DUMBLANE.
" The Bishop of Dumblane restored, and latelie come home, ac-
companied with a stranger Fi'enche man or Italian, supponned by
manie probable appearances, by men of great judgement, to be ira-
ployed heere in some strange turne. His comming hath encou-
raged all suspected Papists, and brought the simple in great doubt ;
for by his authoritie he draweth all with him in the old dance.
The ministers are heereby despised and troubled in their livings,
and the kirks ruined and desolate.
OF GLASGOW.
" Eeceavers of Jesuits, the Abbot of Paisley, who also since his
last comming in Scotland, refuseth to subscribe and communicat ;
Archibald Hegat, Clerk of Glasgow, Gawin Grahame, burgesse
there, and Kobert Aldjo, burgesse of Paisley. These that resort
to them are, the Laird of Fintrie, Mr Robert Bruce, and Mr Gil-
bert Browne. The whole ministers there disappointed of their
living, by giving of thrids in pensioun, or setting doun in tacks ;
and namelie, Mr Johne Bell, minister at Calder, by reasoun of the
thrid of the sub-deanrie givin to Mr Johne Grahame.
664 calderwood's iiistoeie 1 588.
OF DUMBARTANE.
" The Laird of Fintrie hath seduced the cheefe there, and stoUin
away the hearts of the commouns, by banketting at Yuile, continu-
ing three dayes, enduring which tyme all Papisticall ceremoneis
were used. The Ladie INlarr interteaneth in the place of Areskin
an excommunicated preest, called Sir Andrew Naismith, whose
masse-cloths were ance apprehended, but is sensyne, of new, weill
provided therin, and in masse bookes, everie where reasoning and
perverting. INIore, there are great brutes and suspicioun of masses
in manie places of the countrie, which have genered in the hearts
of tlie people a contempt of the Word and ministers, who, when
they beginne to deale with them Avith discipline, contemptuouslie
despyse the same, and proudlie minasse and boast them in their
faces. There is in the Lennox twentie-foure kirks, and not foure
ministers amongst them all.
OF AIR.
"Persons refusing to communicat, pretending fri vole feeds. Johne
Lokhart, burgesse of Air, Johne Kennedie of Brochloch, in Carict,
and Gilbert Kennedie, nionke of Corceragwell, profane the sacra-
ments, baptize childrein gottin in fornicatioun and adulterie, and
others in privat houses and feilds. Thomas Kennidie, tutor of
Cassils, a Papist ; Sir Johne Mure of Kilmarnock, a Papist and
perverter ; the Laird of Ladyland in Cunninghame, latelie come
home out of Flanders, an apostat, reasoning against the truthe and
blaspheming.
" Secundlie, It is greevouslie lamented in all the parts of this
realme, that the planting of kirks and floorishing of the religioun is
hindered, by want of qualified ministers and teachers, and laike of
sufficient provisioun for the same. For how can qualified men be
found, except the youth be trained up, and suflficiently instructed
in the knowledge of the Scriptures, and course of Theologie, in the
1588. OF TUE KIIIK OF SCOTLAND. G{]5
originall languages of the same, wherin the same is writtin ; and in
the arts of Grammar, Rhetorick, Physick, and Logick, which are
necessar instruments to come to the true meaning and sense of the
will of God reveeled in his Word ? And how sail the youth be so
trained up, or qualified men take charges upon them in the schooles
and the ministrie, so long as the patrimonie of the kirk is so rugged'
from it, and dispouned to profane persons that can bruike no offices
in the kirk, yea, to Papists and enemeis to the same; the rents therof
erected in temporall lordships; laAvfullie provided pastors dispossessed
of their livings, and professed Papists repossessed in the same ?
This mater, therefore, must be remedied, or then religioun cannot
stand ; for the onlie way to plant and continue true religioun in
this countrie is to repaire universallic through this realme all ruin-
ous kirks, big^ and repaire parish kirks that are demolished and
fallin doun, and to restore again the patrimonie of the kirk to the
sustentatioun of the ministrie, schooles, and poorc ; which cannot be
done without the act of annexatioun be retreated and annulled, or
at the least, the thrids reduced to their first integritie, according to
the old assumptioun, and no superplus to be made whill the mini-
sters and schooles in all parts be sufficientlie stalled, the acts of re-
possessioun whereby actuall ministers are dispossessed be cassed,
and persons unqualified and ydle-belleis be deposed from benefices,
and sufficient men placed in their roomes ; and so, a sufficient living
be provided for everle kirk, with a commodious gleeb and manse
for the residence of the minister therat. And, finallle, that out of
the temporall lands, namelle, there be livings sufficient founded for
professors and students of Theologie within the New Colledge of
St Andrewes and Colledge of Edinburgh, so manle as may make
a convenient semlnarie for the reteanlno; and floorlshins of learnino-
and religioun within this realme ; and this for the present urgent
necessitie, till provisioun sufficient be made, and colledges In everie
part.
" Thridlie, The great dissolutenesse of life and maners, with the
' Torn. 2 Build.
66Q calderwood's iiistopjk 1588.
uglie heapes of all kinde of slnne, lying in everie nuike and part of
this land, is most heavilie regraitcd and deplored. For what part
of this land is there that is not with a spait* overwhelmed with
abusing the blessed name of God ; with swearing, perjurie, and lees ;
with profaning of the Sabboth-day ; with mercats, gluttonie,
drunkennesse, fighting, playing, dancing, &c. ; with rebelling
aijainst mao-istrats and the lawes of the countrie ; with blood tuich-
ing blood ; with incest, fornicatioun, adultereis ; with sacriledge,
thift, and oppressioun ; with false witnesse ; and, finallie, all kinde
of impietie and wrong : and how can the Avrath of God, alreadie
kindled, be anie wise quenched, so long as it hath suche mater to
burne upon ? And albeit there be some good lawes for repressing
heerof, yitt none of them are putt in executioun, or take anie effect.
" Fourthlie, and Last, What heart, tuiched with anie sparke of
naturall humanitie or godlie charitie, can, imblooding, behold the
miserable estat of the poore, vaiging^ in great troupes and com-
paneis through the countrie, without ather law or religioun ?"
Sessioun 16.
The brethrein appointed to give their advices concerning the ar-
ticles of the Exchecker presented their opinioun, which was read
and allowed, and ordeanned to be givin to the said lords. And for
concurring with the said lords for the part of the Assemblie, con-
forme to the said answere, are nominated, Mr Robert Pont, Mr
David Lindsey, Mr Adam Johnstoun, and the moderator. Of the
which articles and answeres the tenour followeth : —
THE TENOR OF THE SAID ARTICLES, WITH THEIR ANSWERES.
" To remember the Assemblie before their dissolving, incace
they sail so thinke convenient, if they will authorize foure, or anie
three of them, to deoleand conclude tuiching the stipends, alsweill
of this present yeere 1587, as of the yeeres to come.
" If the things past by Privie Scales to ministers sail stand un-
' Inundation. * Wanderin».
1588. OF THE KlUK OF SCOTLAMD. 667
changeable ; or sail they be subject to the commoun conditioun of
other ministers, as it fallcth ?
" Sail assignatiouns, in so farre as is alreadie directed this yeere,
stand unchanged, and proceed to the rest which is unanswered ; or
sail we speeke of the whole mater, as if no thing had beene done
of before this ycere ?"
THE ADVICE OF THE BRETHREIN APPOINTED TO GIVE ANSWERES
TO THE FORESAID ARTICLES, PROPOiNED BY THE LORDS OF
EXCHECKER ; READ AND ALLOWED BY THE GENERALL AS-
SEMBLIE.
" As to the First, the brethrein agree, that certane of their num-
ber be adjoyned with the lords, modifiers, to perfyte the assigna-
tiouns of this present yeere. As to the concluding of a perpetuall
platt, the said brethrein sail have power to confer with the saids
lords, and give their advice how a perpetuall platt can be esta-
blished ; and the conclusioun of the saids lords and brethrein sail be
sent to everie presbyterie in this realme, that the said presbytereis
may give their advice to the nixt Generall Assemblie, concerning
all heeds that sail be necessar for to conclude and end the said per-
petuall platt. The brethrein nominated heereto by the Assemblie,
Mr Robert Pont, Mr David Lindsey, Mr Adam Johnstoun, with
the moderator.
" As to the Secund article, their opinioun is, that the assigna-
tioun purchassed under the Privie Scale stand this yeere, and that
it sail be advised therafter : and seing that the said assignatiouns be
givin for the service of a kirk onlie, and out of the fruicts of the
same parish, and be not prejudiciall nor hurtfull to their brethrein
serving at other kirks ; and that the brethrein whose gifts are
rescinded or altered be not anie wise deteriorated, or putt in a
worse estat nor they were.
" As to the Thrid article, the brethrein agree, that all assigna-
tiouns past stand as they are givin out, providing that suche as
are hurt be reponned to their former assignatiouns, and suche as
668 calderavood's iiistorie 1588.
have small stipends be augmented, and that suche as have no sti-
pends be sufficientlie provided. And, last, that suche kirks as
want stipends and ministers, may be sufficientlie provided of sti-
pends, and men appointed to serve the same, as they sail be ad-
mitted in everie presbyterie."
MR p. ADAMSONE CENSURED.
INIr Patrik Adamsone was cited, by the directioun of the Synod
of Fife, to compeere before the Gencrall Assemblie, the secund
day therof, with continuation of dayes, to answere for giving col-
latioun of the vicarage of Leuchars to Mr Andrew Allane, without
consent of the Presbyterie of St Andrewes, where the benefice
lyeth, and without consent of his assessors ; expreslie against the
act made by his Majestic and Generall Assemblie. He was called on
in the fourth sessioun, but compeared not. He was ordeaned, in
the seventh sessioun, to be present at the nixt sessioun. In the
eight sessioun, an excuse sent from him was presented to the mo-
derator, bearing in effect, that if he Avere present, he would onlie
seeke the copie of his delatioun ; and, therefore, desired a copie, that
the processe be not led verballie. The Assemblie directed the mi-
nister of Dysert to charge him to compeere personallie. He com-
peared, and answered. The summouns were negative, wherof he
would prove the affirmative ; to witt, that he gave collatioun with
advice of the most part of his assessors, being exeemed by speciall
exceptioun from the presbyterie, in so farre as Mr James Wilkie,
Mr Robert Wilkie, and Mr James Martine, gave speciall consent
thereto ; and produced an instrument, dated the 20th of Aprile
1587, to that effect. Mr Robert denied before the Assemblie that
ever he gave consent. IVIr James INIartine denied he saw instru-
ments taikin therupon. He alledged, likewise, that he required
Johne Ure, and other of his assessors, by writt, to come to him for
that purpose, but that he refused. Johne Ure granted he was
writtin for, but went not to him, nor wrote not, becaus he caried
no favour to tlie bishop, and heard evill brutes of Mr Andrew.
1588. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 669
He alledged, likewise, that he had required Mr Adam Mitchell,
and other his assessors' presence ; that he refused to come, and re-
fused to give his assent, and, therefore, he alledged he had the
consents of three of his assessors, and that Johne Ure his tacitur-
nitie was to be taikin for a consent. And, therefore, howbeit Mr
Adam Mitcliell refused, yitt he had proceeded to the collatioun,
with the advice and consent of the most part of his assessors, being
seven in number. But the Assemblie findeth that the silence of
Johne Ure inducetli no consent ; and that he had controveened
the act, in giving collatioun without the advice and consent of the
most part of his assessors. Mr Patrik protested, in respect he had
required his assessors, as he alledged, at diverse dyets, they not
compeering, he was not holdin to delay the collatioun, but might
have proceeded as he did. The Assemblie ordeaned the officer of
the kirk to warne them to compeere before them the nixt day, after
noone. In the twelveth sessioun [they] jvidged him, in respect of
transgressing the act of the conference, to be worthie of depriva-
tioun ; but before anie sentence be pronounced, the Assemblie
Avilleth their brethrein appointed to present their articles to the
king, to informe his Majestic of their proceedings against him. In
the sixteene sessioun, it was voted in the Assemblie that he had
incurred the paine of the act, viz., deprivatioun from his office of
Commissionarie, and substitute in his rowme Mr Thomas Buchanan,
till the nixt Assemblie.
In the elleventh sessioun he was delated for giving collatioun to
Mr Patrik Thomsone of the parsonage of Flisk, without the advice
of his assessors ; and of the vicarage of * * * to a childe of
ellevin yeere old, it being a benefice of cure. He being present,
answered, that both the one and the other were done before the
act of the conference, and that the Bishops of St Andrewes are
bound to the Erie of Rothesse to doe the first, by an old indenture.
I find no farther of this point.
In the fyfteenth sessioun, the brethrein who deduced the pro-
cesse in St Andrewes against a witche presentlie detcaned in pris-
soun, were ordeaned to subscribe the same authenticklie, that it
670 CALDEinVOOD'S IIISTOKIE 1588.
might be delivered to the counsell of Edinburgh. JVIr James Mcl-
vill was ordeaned to travell in the coast side, for mater of dittay
against her. Appearandlie this was the witchc that the bishop was
famlHar with.
MR R. MONTGOMRIE.
Mr Robert Montgomrie, at his suppHcatioun, the Assemblie, hav-
ing taikin consideratioun of the processe led against him, and cir-
cumstances of that mater, findeth he may be admitted pastor over
a flocke Avhere he hath not beene slanderous, providing he be found
qualified in life and doctrine.
FOR REPARATION OF KTRKS.
It was ordeaned, in the fyft sessioun, that an article sould be givin
in to the king, bearing regrait for the decay of certane kirks which
are ruinous, and without haistie rcpaire are not able to be remedied,
namelie, Glasgow, Dumfermline, Dumblane; and that his Majestic
sould be desired to interpone his power to caus the Erie of Huntlie,
now Abbot of Dumfermline, to repairc Dumfermline, the Bishop of
Dumblane, Dumblane. And for repairing of Glasgow, to take
order that the leid fallin, or like to fall, may be employed to the
sclating and repairing therof, which would be a great part of the
charges.
Sessioun 6.
The Assemblie thinketh meete, considering the present necessitie
of the ministrie, that his Majestic may be intrcatted to grant to the
act devised by the Loi'ds of the Exchecker, of the thrids, in favour
of planting of the kirks ; and to establish the samine by act of
Secreit Counsell, and that without prejudice of anie farther benefite
or right givin and granted to them by Acts of Parliament made
in their favours.
1588. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND 671
AN ACT.
Sessioun 10.
Tuiching the forme of repentance prescribed for adulterie, homi-
cids, and other offenders, who were ordeaned before, by acts of the
Generall Assemblie, to make satisfactioun before the synod ; seuig,
in manie parts of the countrie the penitents, at suche times of the
yeere when synods are holdin, are at their lawfull traffique out of
the countrie, it is found expedient in tymes comming, where pres-
bytereis are weill ordered and estabUshed in the judgement of the
synod, that the penitents sail performe their satisfaction before the
presbytereis, in the same forme that they were accustomed before
the synods. Where presbytereis are not weill ordered or consti-
tuted, as yitt, in the judgement of their synods, that the accus-
tomed order be keeped.
VISITERS.
Sessioun 14.
The Assemblie, understanding the great necessitie of visitatioun
in the north and south, where Jesuits and Papists cheefeiie resort,
and have overthrowne the greater part, not onlie of the simple, but
also of the better sort, with the unhappie seed of Poprie ; and with
all, weyghing the great perrell als weill alreadie fallin furth, as that
Avhich may afteV ensue, have givin power and commissioun to their
brethrein, Mr Robert Pont, Mr Peter Blekburne, Mr Nicoll Da-
gleish, for the north parts, from Dee to the Diocie of Cathnesse, in-
clusive ; to Mr David Lindsay, Mr Robert Hepburne, and Mr Adam
Johnstoun, for the south-west parts, viz., the Shirefdoms of Gallo-
way, Nithesdaill, Air, and Lennox, including the lie of Boote ; Mr
George Monro for the bounds of Orkney ; to visite the said bounds
as they be above divided, and therin to plant kirks with qualifeid
ministers ; depose and deprive suche as be unquulifeid, whether in
672 CALDEii wood's nisTOPJE 1588.
life or doctrine, als weill bishops as others of the ministrie ; to crave
of all men, als weill of high estat as others, subscription to the Con-
fession of Faith, and participatioun of the Lord's Supper ; to trie,
call, and conveene, Papists and apostats, and to proceid against
them conforme to the acts of the Assemblie. And, finallie, to doe
all other things that are necessarie for reformatioun of the saids
bounds, and reducing them to a good order, establishing of the Evan-
gell, and good discipline of the kirk, firme and stable, holding, etc.
Sessiouii 15.
All ministers within their parishes sail travell diligentlie with
the noblemen, barons, and gentlemen, to subscribe the Confession
of Faith ; and to report their diligence to the nixt Assemblie.
VISITERS CONTINUED.
As for the ordinar commissioners of countreis or provinces, be-
caus they were ordeaned to be continued from the last Assemblie
to the nixt, and this Assemblie hath beene extraordinar, they are
continued in their charges till the nixt Assemblie, except that Mr
Robert Inneis, in place of Mr Robert Grahame, is appointed for
visitatioun of Cathnesse, IMr Thomas Buchanan for Fife, Mr George
Monro for Orkney.
JAMES GIBSON SUSPENDED FROM THE MINISTRIE.
In the eight sessioun, the Lord Privie Scale, directed from the
king, declared, that his Hienesse was informed that James Gibsone,
minister of Pencaitland, had promised to the brethrein upon the
conference, to satisfie the king for some words uttered in his ser-
moun ; and Avilled the Assemblie to inquire at the said brethrein
what he had promised, and to see if tlie samine had beene perform-
ed ; if not, that satisfaction be made to his Hienesse' honour.
James Gibsone being called, confessed he had promised to the
brethrein that Avhich he had not performed ; and that he was induced
1588. OF THE KIllK OF SCOTLAND. 673
to the said promise through infirmitie, meaning the feare of danger to
the kirk in generall, and the destitutioun of his owne flocke in parti-
cular; but that he did know, or find nothing in his owne conscience
wherin he had offended his Majestic in anie thing he spake. The
Assemblie ordeanned him to be present at the privie conference after
noone. In the nynth sessioun, the Chanceller being present, de-
sired the brethrein to consider if the said James had not offended
his Majestic, not onlie in that he uttered the words following in
his sermoun, to witt, that " he thought before that James StCAvart,
Ladie Jesabell, and William Stewart, had beene the pcrsecuters of
the kirk ; but now, he findeth plainlie by experience that the king
himself hath beene the persecuter. As Jeroboam, for the erecting
of idolatrie, and pei'raitting the same, was the last of his posteritie,
so, he feared, if he continued, he sould conclude his race ;" — but
also, in that he acknowledging to the brethrein of the conference
that he offended his Hienesse, he had promised to make satisfac-
tioun, but had failed and brokin promise ? The said James was
called, but compeered not. The Chanceller desired the moderator
to referre to the votes of the Assemblie, whether the words above
specified were offensive. Becaus none offered to reasoun against
his desire, he proponed the questioun in the same termes ; and so
the brethrein for the most part voted affirmative the said words to
be offensive. In the tenth sessioun he compeered, and was or-
deanned to be present after noone, that is, in the elleventh sessioun,
to heare that mater reasouned. Sindrie brethrein who satt neere
him heard him promise to compeere ; yitt, being often tymes called,
he compeered not. The Assemblie findeth him contumax for not
compeering, nor sending anie reasonable excuse of his absence. In
the 13th sessioun, the Chanceller declared, that for the king's com-
missioners they had considered the articles penned by the brethrein
for planting of kirks, and thought a great part therof sould be
granted ; but desired the Assemblie to determine in the actioun
concerning James Gibsone. He alledged the Assemblie had pro-
ceeded thus farre, that the words produced in writt Avere ah-eadie
found by the Assemblie offensive ; nixt, that he had confessed the
uttering of the saraine, and promised satisfactioun and repentance :
VOL. IV. 2 u
674 calderwood's histoiue 1588.
but being cited to present himself before the Asscmblic, was de-
clared contiimax. So resteth, said he, to consider of the pcnalteis
deserved by him. But becaus some brethrein oppouned that they
heard not anie suche confessioun, he produced jNIr David Lindsey,
Mr Peter Blekburne, my Lord Privie Scale, Sir Robert Melvill,
Mr Nicoll Daglcish, witnesses. They being all svv'ornc, deponned
in opin Assemblie as followeth : The said Mr David Lindsey de-
poning, that in the conference and reasoning had with the said
James in the galrie, at command of the Assemblie, the said James
confessed the words conteaned in the Avrittino-. Sir Robert Melvill
deponeth, that in the galrie he demanded at the said James, if
he spake the words conteaned in the writting ; Avho answered, he
could not deny the same. Mr Peter Blekburne, my Lord Blantyre,
confirmeth to Mr David. Mr Nicol Dagleish deponeth, that at
the tyme of the conference, when as he was present, that James
Gibson alledged that he spake this. That Captan James and
Ladie Jesabell were not the onlie persecuters, but the king also ;
but denyeth that he spake thir words, that the king of himself, or
by himself, was the persecutor. And the last words concerning
Jeroboam, he declared, he spake by a comminatioun. L^pon the
depositiouns followed this sentence of suspensioun following : —
" Tuiching the actioun concerning James Gibsone, seing it is
alreadie found by the most })art of the votes of the Assemblie, that the
words following are offensive, to witt, ' I wount before that James
Stewart, and Ladie Jesabell, and William Stewart, had beene the
persecuters of the kirk ; but now, I find plainlie by experience that
the king himself hath beene the persecuter. As Jeroboam, for
erecting of idolatrie, and permitting therof, was the last of his
posteritie, so, I feare, if he continue, that he sail conclude his
race.' And that the said James being cited by the voice of the
moderator to be present, to have answered in the said mater, for
not compeerance is alreadie declared contumax ; and that it hath
beene sufficientlie verified before the said Assemblie, by deposi-
tiouns of diverse of the brethrein, who heard the said James his
confessioun of specking therof : Therefore, the Assemblie present,
advising with the said mater, for the most part voted and adjudged
1588. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAJVD. 675
the said James to be suspended from his office and functioun of
the ministrie, dm'ing the Avill of the Assemblie."
In the 16th sessioun, at the king's desire, it was ordeanned that
the sentence sould be extracted by the clerk of the Assemblie, and
subscribed by him ; and libertie was granted that the samine might
be intimated in the pulpits of the kirks of Edinburgh. I have
often heard that Mr Robert Bruce was admonished in his dreame
the night before, not to be present at the pronouncing of this sen-
tence. He thought he heard these words following, " Ne hitei'sis
condemnationi servi Dei.^*
MR JOHNE COWPER TRANSPORTED TO GLASGOW.
In the tenth sessioun, my Lord Privie Scale desired Mr Johne
Cowper to be removed from Edinburgh to Glasgow. Mr Walter
Balcalquall alledged he was bound by an act of the sessioun of
the kirk of Edinburgh to them, as their ordinar minister. Mr
Walter was ordeanned to produce the act after noone. The mater
being reasouned in the twelve sessioun, and the reasouns of the
counsell of the toun being heard, the Assemblie remitted the ac-
ceptatioun of the ministrie at Glasgow to his owne choice, and
ordeanned him to resolve. In the fourteenth sessioun, he declared
his willingnesse to be admitted minister of Glasgow. The Assem-
blie therefore ordeanned him to be admitted by the Presbyterie of
Glasgow. Johne Adamsone, one of the commissioners of Edin-
burgh, was ordeanned to intiraat his resolution to the counsell of
the toun. Soone after, William Little, Proveist of Edinburgh,
and Johne Johnstoun of Elphinstoun, directed from the toun
counsell, desired the Assemblie to requeist Mr Robert Bruce to
accept the charge of the ministrie at their kirk upon him, which he
had not yitt done ; and, if they could not find presentlie one to be
placed in Mr Johne Cowper's roome, that they would give libertie
to the Presbyterie of Edinburgh to transport suche a one to that
vacant place as they could agree with, the touns speciallie excepted
by the acts of the kirk being exeemed, which was granted.
676 calderwood's histokie 1588.
A FAST APPOINTED.
The nixt Generall Assemblie was appointed to be liolclin at
Edinburgh the first Tuisday of August, betuixt and which tyme a
generall fast was appointed to be keeped universallle the first two
Sunday es of Julie. The causes are these following : 1. The uni-
versall conspiraceis of the enemeis of the truthe against Christ's kirk,
to putt in executioun the bloodie determinatioun of the Councell
of Trent. 2. The flocking home of Jesuits and Papists to subvert
the kirk within this countrie. 3. The defectioun of a great num-
ber frome the truthe. 4. The conspiraceis intended against the
samine by great men, interteaners of Jesuits and Papists. 5. The
coldnesse of professors. G. The Avracke of the patrimonie of
the kirk, abundance of bloodshed, adultereis, incest, and all kinde
of iniquitie.
A ROAD PROCLAMED.
Upon the sixth of Februar there was a proclamatioun at the
mercat croce of Edinburgh, making mentioun, that the Lord
Hereis being constituted Wardan of the West Marches, had not
onlie beene negligent in discharging his oflSce, but also had erected
masse, taikin up the houses of sindrie of the king's counsellei'S, shott
the ministers out of Dumfreis, and, therefore, that he was charged to
answere.. but had disobeyed. The lieges, therefore, on this side of
Forth, and within the shirefdoms of Perth, Fife, the stewartrie of
Strathcrne, &c., were commanded to repaire to Edinburgh upon
the fyft of Marche, to accompanie his Majestic, who was to passe
in persoun to the west borders.
SUSPICIOUN OF A CONSPIRACIE.
Upon the 16th of Februar, the courteours Averc informed that the
Lord Hammiltoun, Huntlie, Hereis, Glencarnc, Paisley, and the rest
1588. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 677
of their assoclats, were conveenned at Linlithquo. The king sent
Patrik Murrey, one of his speciall courteoiirs, to Huntlie, to learne
the certantie. Huntlie assured him they intended no alteratioun,
and promised to come in to the king. The king, pretending to goe
furth to the himting, mett with Huntlie at Cramond. He came in
with the king to Halyrudhous, and lay in the king's owne chamber ;
was Weill lyked of by the king, for what causes it was not knowne.
The Lord Hereis came the same night to the king's chamber, and
conferred with the kins;.
THE KING REFUSETH TO CHANGE THE OFFICERS OF ESTATE.
In the end of Marche Huntlie returned from the north. He,
Montrose, Crawfurd, Hammiltoun, and Paisley, came to court.
They desired some officers of estat to be changed. The king not
yeelding, they delay further persute, till the king went over to
Dumfermline, to a bankett prepared by the Erie of Huntlie. They
desired that Huntlie might be made captan of the Castell of Edin-
burgh, Lord Claud chanceller, Colonell StcAvart captan of the
guarde. But the king did not yitt yeeld. The king answered to
Huntlie, " If yee have sent for these noble men, treate them weill ;
but I minde not to change anie officer of estat for the present."
Some say, AthoU, Claud Hammiltoun, Rothesse, and the Maister
of Livingstoun, were there, that the Lord Hammiltoun and Glen-
carne were ignorant of their iutentiouns ; and referre this to the
eleventh or twelve of Aprile. The day after this motioun was
made the king riseth earlie in the morning, rydeth to Burlie, before
manie of the court understood of it. So the noblemen went everie
one their owne wayes, disappointed of their intentioun. The king
returned to Edinburgh upon the 14th of Aprile. Chanceller Mat-
lane mett him weill accompanied at the Queen's Ferrie, being
advertised so to doe.
678 calderwood's iiistorie 1588.
THE king's road TO THE SOUTH.
The king taketh journey toward the south. From Tiviotdaill
he went to the Merce. Manic of the toun of Berwick came furth
to meete him at Berwick bounds, and at his departure gave him a
volie. The king sent to the cannoneers an hundreth peece of gold.
At this tyme he entered some persons in England for bills, as
Ilunthill, Greenheed, Robert Elliot of Ridhous, and releeved
others.
MAXWELL APPREHENDED AND WAIRDED.
After the king returned from the Merce to Edinburgh, under-
standing that the Lord Maxwell had waiged souldiours to be in
readinesse when the King of Spain's armie sould come, he tooke up a
guard of men of warre both on horse and footc, upon the 15th of May.
The lieges within the shirefdoms be-south Forth, the shirefdoms of
Perth, Forfar, the stewartreis of Stratherne and Menteith, were
commanded by opin proclamatioun to be in readinesse, within six
houres after the nixt proclamatioun, to follow the king or his
lieutenant. At the nixt proclamatioun they were charged to re-
paire to Biggar, the 25th of May, with ten dayes' victuall. Max-
well fortified the Castell of Lochmabanc, and tooke himself to a
ship, for his owne safetie, till the king were forced to retume.
When the king came to Dumfreis, he directed his heralds to sum-
moun the Castell of Lochmabane, and, in the meane tyme, sent
Sir "William Stewart, brother to Captan James Stewart, some
tyme Erie of Arran, to persue Maxwell. Sir William persued so
hotelie, that Maxwell, forsaiking the shijipe, tooke him to the
shippe boat and fled. Sir William seazed on the shippe, and
therafter followed Maxwell to land, and, finding him in a coat-
hous, apprehended him, and brought him to Dumfreis. The king
committed him to the custodie of Dumlanrig, till he was further
advised. It is recorded by some, that Maxwell's shippe was lying
1588. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 679
before Kirkcucl bright, when Sir William persued him ; and that he
"withdrew himself from the ship, accompanied onlie with one of his
followers, in a cocke-boat, toward Ilsa ; and upon the backe of that
yle he found a fisher-boat, wherin he came to land over against
the Abbey of Croceraguell in Carict. Becaus he could gett no
entrance in the Abbey, he was forced to retire to an oastler hous '
in the toun, to gett his dinner. Whill he is at dinner, six or seven
gentlemen Avere breaking up the doores of the hous. He fleeth to
the wood, where he was taikin in a cave upon the fyft of June, by
Sir William Stewart. Upon Saturday, the eight of June, Sir
William Stewart went to the Castell of Lochmabane, and craved
a parlee, which was granted. He offered safetie to the captan and
his companie, if they would come in the king's will. The captan,
Mr David Maxwell, brother to the Laird of Cowhill, randered
upon the Lord's day, the nynth of June. The captan, and five of
the cheefe of his companie, were hanged before the castell gate.
The king alledged that he had made no promise, but that Sir
William had counterfoote his hand-writt. The rest were sent to
Dumfreis, but their lives were spaired. Seventeene that were in
the shippe with Maxwell himself were hanged. Sir William gott
the spoile both of the shippe and of the castell. Robert Maxwell,
brother to the Lord Maxwell, vexed the countrie about in the
meane tyme, burning, killing, and spoiling. In end, fearing to be
betrayed by some of his owne, [he] convoyed himself secreetlie from
them. The king remained in the south till the 27th of June, and
then, committinof the ffovernement of the countrie to the Erie of
Angus, returned to Edinburgh, and brought with him the Lord
Maxwell, who was warded into Robert Gourlaye's hous in Edin-
burgh, and committed to the custodie of Sir William Stewart.
SIR WILLIAM STEWART SLAINE.
Upon the tenth of Julie, there fell furth a controversie betuixt
Bothwell and Sir William Stewart, in the king's owne presence,
' Hostelrie, or inn.
680 caldeuwood's iiistokie 1588.
where eache one gave other the lee. Sir William disdainfullie bade
Bothwell kisse his arse. Bothwell vowed to kisse his arse where
few sould be to red. The king went over the water; Bothwell
and Iluntlie stayed in the Abbey. Sir William comming doun the
High Street of Edinburgh, upon the penult of Julie, Bothwell in-
vaded him. Sir William stobbed one of his companie, and left
his sword sticking in him : Bothwell persued after him, and
stobbed him with his rapper. Sir William fleeth to a hollow cel-
ler, where they stobbed him with whingers whill he was dispatched.
When the king returned to the Palace of Halyrudhous, Bothwell
stayed, as nothing afFrayed for the king.
THE ERLE OF ANGUS' DEATH.
About this tyme, Archibald Erie of Angus departed this life,
taikin away, as was vehementlie suspected, by witchecraft, and was
therafter transported to the kirk of Abernethie, where he was
solemnelie buried. William Dowglas of Glenbervie succeeded to
the erledome of Angus, William Dowglas of Lochlevin to the
erledome of Morton. This erle was the seventeenth Erie of Angus,
and the nynth of the surname of Dowglas, the thrid named Archi-
bald ; more religious nor anie of his predecessors, yea, nor anie of
all the erles in the countrie, muche beloved of the godlie. The
king was wount commounlie to call him "The Ministers' King." He
gave a prooffe of his religioun and pietie at his last and greatest
extremitie ; for howbeit he was assured that he was bewitched, yitt
refused he all helpe by witches, but referred the event to God. It
was constantlie reported that his bodie pynned and melted away
with sweates, and, in the meane tyme, the witches were turning
his picture in waxe before a fire.
CAPTAN SEMPILL APPREHENDED, ESCAPETH.
About this tyme Captan Sempill came to this countrie, with the
Spanish gold to the Popish lords. The king directed Carmichaell
1588. OP THE KIKK OF SCOTLAND. 681
to apprehend him, which he did ; but Huntlie rescued him perforce
from Carmichaell, and would not suffer him to be wairded. The
kino- came over the water that same verie night, and being informed
Avhat Pluntlie had done, commanded him, under the paine of trea-
soun, to present Colonell SempilL Huntlie obeyed, and Colonell
Sempill was wairded in Kobert Gourlaye's hous in Edinburgh ;
but soone after brake waird and escaped, and that by Huntlie's
moyen and assistance.
PREPARATION FOR RESISTANCE TO THE LANDING OF THE
SPANIARDS.
Upon the fyft of August, a proclamatioun was made at the raer-
cat croce of Edinburgh, wherin were discovered the dangers im-
minent to religioun, arising ather from intestine enemeis the
Papists, or Spaniards and other enemeis without. The band de-
vised before, for maintenance of the truthe, was ratified, commis-
sioun givin to certane noble men, and others particularlie named.
They are charged to conveene the forces of everie shire within the
realme, as occasioun saU be offered, for defence of the said profes-
sioun, his Majestie's estate, and withstanding of strangers to land
within his Hienesse' bounds, as also, to make proclamatiouns for
conveening of his Majestie's subjects, as they sail thinke good, at
suche times as they sail thinke meete, and as hath beene accus-
tomed in tymes bypast ; and to sett bale-fires upon hills, for gather-
ing of the subjects, as was used before ; and command the subjects
to rise under the paine of losse of life, lands, and goods : that there
be frequent musters throughout the whole kingdome, be-south
Forth, upon the 20th of this instant ; beyond Forth, upon the last
day of this instant moneth. There was, at this tyme, a great
rumor, that there was a huge armie of the Spaniards upon the seas,
purposing to land in Scotland, and to passe through it to England ;
but it had beene a deere passage to Scotland.
G82 calderwood's historie 1588.
THE * * GENERALL ASSEMBLIE.
The Generall Assemblie conveened at Edinburgh In the Little
Kirk, the sixt of August. Exhort atioun being made by Mr Robert
Bruce, Mr Thomas Buchanan was chosin Moderator. Mr Robert
Bruce, Mr Robert Pont, Mr David Lindsey, Mr Johne Robert-
sone, Mr Johne Keith, and Mr Peter Blekburne, Mr James Bal-
four, Mr Robert Hepburne, Johne Durle, Mr James Nicolsone, ]Mr
Andrew Melvill, David Fergusone, James Andersone, Mr Andrew
Young, Mr Andrew Mylne, Mr Andrew Hay, Johne Porterfeild,
George Gordoun, Johne Clappertoun, Mr Andrew Clayhills, the
Malster of Lindsey, the Laird of Lochlevin, the Tutor of Pitcurr,
the Laird of Elphingstoun, the Laird of Kerse, Johne Johnstoun
of Elphingstoun, were nominated assessors, to concurre with the
Moderator, and to give their advice and counsell at certane houres,
in all maters which are to come before the Assemblie.
DANGERS FROM PAPISTS TO BE PREVENTED.
Sessioiin 2.
Forasmuche as it is tliought expedient, that in the frequencie of
this Assemblie, the most necessar things be first handled ; and that
there are certane generalls, Avhich, before all others, come to be re-
solved, namelie, concerning the present dangers imminent to the
kirk of Christ within tliis realme, and to the commoun wealth
therof, by the arrivall of forrane natiouns, as Spaniards and bar-
bars : as also, the danger and decay of religioun, by the raritie and
povertie of the ministers of the Evangell, occasiouned by the con-
tinuall spoilzie of the patrimonie of the kirk : For the first, the
Assemblie hath thought, for their part and duetie in this behalfe,
that a Fast be proclamed the morne, by tlie ordlnar teacher in the
Kirk of Edinburgh, to be continued in the said toun, with suppli-
catiouns to God, and continuall exhortatiouns to be used the whole
1588. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 683
weeke, by the bretlirein underwrittin. The dayes of fasting to be,
the Thursday and Sunday nixt. And likewise, the samine Fast to
be keeped upon the said Sunday, by so manie kirks about this toun
as may have the opportunitie. And for using the said cxhorta-
tiouns in this meane tyme, appointeth the brethrein following, viz.,
Mr Walter Balcalquall upon Wedinsday after noone ; and upon
Thursday in the morning at seven houres, Mr Johne Craig ; at
five houres after noone, Mr Patrik Simsone. Upon Fryday, at
eight houres, David Fergusone ; and after noone, James Andersone.
Saturday, before noone, Johne Durie, and Mr James Robertsone,
after noone. On Sunday before noone, in the New Kirk, Mr
James Balfour, incace of the absence of Mr Robert Bruce ; and in
the High Kirk, after noone, Mr Johne Knox : and these brethrein
to lay out the dangers of the saids enemeis, and circumstances ther-
of to the people, exhorting them to the defence of the true reli-
gioun, libertie of the countrie, and maintenance of the king's Ma-
jestic.
And becaus, of duetie also, they ought to putt his Hienesse in
minde of the saids dangers, that his Majestic, with concurrence of
the nobilitie and realme, may provide for tymous defence, they or-
deane their brethrein, Mr David Lindsey and Johne Duncansone,
the morne in the morning, to passe over to his Hienesse to that
effect, and to crave some present order for the Papists ; wheranent,
to receave injunctiouns from the assessors at five houres.
As concerning the secund heed, of the raritie and povertie of the
ministrie, the Asscmblie hath desired the Laird of Colluthie, the
Proveist of Edinburgh, Johne Johnstoun, Mr David Lindsey, Mr
Robert Pont, and David Fergusone, to take a consideratioun of the
estate of the thrids ; what quantitie is dispouned to the ministrie,
what the superplus, and to give their advice how the present neces-
sltie of the kirk may be releeved.
Ordeane a Commissioun of Justitiarie to be craved of the king's
Majestic and Counsell, to be granted to the persons underwrittin,
or anie three of them ; to witt, my Lord Chanceller, my Lord Jus-
tice-Clerk, his deput, the Treasurer or his deput, the Clerk of Regi-
684 calderwood's historie 1588.
ster, Mr Johne Grahame, Mr Johne Lindsay, the Captane of the
Castell, the Laird of Merchinstoun, the Laird of El}>hinston, the
Proveist of Edinburgh, Johne Jolnistoun, ]Mr Johne Schairp, Mr
Johne Nicolsone ; giving them power, as Justices in that part, to
punishe suche crimes as in speciall sail be givin in ticket by INIr
David Lindsay ; and ordeans the presbytereis therof to give in the
names of Papists excommunicats, and niainteaners of them, to their
commissioner, to the effect they may be presented to the saids Jus-
ticers.
Sessioun 5.
Forasmuche as the Asserablie is informed, that there is a shipp
latelie arrived in this Firth from Dunkirk, which is susj)ected to be
a spy, wherout of also there is landed a man, as appeareth, of some
marke ; and albeit the Assemblie, with the counsell present, hath
desired the proveist and bailliffcs of Edinburgh to manne the
shipp, and take the men, and keepc them whill his Majestie come
over ; yitt it is reported they refuse, in respect it will be hinder-
ance to their traffique ; the brethrcin thinke it raeete that Mr
Robert Bruce, Mr Andrew Hay, and Mr Andrew Melvill, passe to
the Chanceller, and understand of the said answere ; offer unto his
Lordship all their concurrence to requeist the toun.
Sessioun 7.
Report being made by the bretlu-ein of the conference, and cer-
tane others past out of the Assemblie with them, by Mr David
Lindsay, of the king's Majestie his good minde and earnest affec-
tioun to the defence of the true religioun, and of his commoun
wealth, against the forrane enemeis, of his Majestie's singular and
good will offered therunto, the Assemblie most heartfullie thanked
God for the same, and ordeanned the right honourable the Lairds
of Colluthie and Dundas, with their brethrein, to witt, Mr Robert
Bruce, Mr Patrik Galloway, Mr Andrew Melvill, and David Fer-
gusone, to passe unto his Majestie after noone, giving unto him most
humble thanks in name of the whole kirk, and to exhort his Majes-
1588. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 685
tie to continue in that good mincle, to the glorie of God, and sin-
gular confort of his Hienesse' subjects.
PEOVISIOUN TO MINISTERS.
Sessioun 11.
It was found expedient, before anie other sute be made to his
Majestic, that Mr Eobert Bruce, Mr David Lindsay, Mr Johne
Craig, be directed to his Hienesse, to understand by what nieanes
the religioun sould be mainteaned within the reahne. They were
presentlie sent furth, and ordeaned to bring backe the king's an-
swere with expeditioun.
In the fyft sessioun it was enacted as followeth : — " Forasmuche
as since the late act of annexatioun, his Majestic liath transferred
the right of the patronage of diverse benefices from his flienesse to
diverse temporall men, as erles, lords, barons, and others ; and hath
annexed the samine unto his lords and lairds, of whom some have
gottin confirmatioun therof in parliament, others have obteaned
the same since the said parliament, and the thrid sort have gottin gift
of the naiked patronage allanerlie, to the evident danger, hurt, and
prejudice of the whole kirk : Wherefore, it is thought good, his
Majestic be supplicated by earnest sute and supplicatioun, that the
saids dispositiouns, authorized as said is by parliament, may be
brought backe in the nixt parliament, and suche others as have
sensyne beene granted since the said pai'liament may, in like
maner, be annulled. And, in the meane tyme, that it would please
his Majestic to close his hands from disponing the said right of pa-
tronage, and transferring the same from his Majestic, which as yitt
remain undisponed ; and that his Majestic will provide, that the
commissioners and presbytereis to A\hom the collatioun apper-
teaneth of the saids benefices, be not processed nor horned for not
giving of admissioun therupon : inhibiting, in the meane tyme, all
commissioners and presbytereis, that they on no wise give colla-
tioun or admissioun to anie person presented by the said new pa-
686 caldekwoojd's historie 1588.
trons, as is above specified, untill the nlxt Generall Assemblie of
the kirk."
In the 13 sessioun, all ministers and pastors were exhorted to
opin up publictlie in their sermons the prejudice done to the
whole kirk by the spoile of the patrimonie therof, and publictlie to
disallow and oppone against the connnoun abuse therof.
In the same sessioun, the Assemblie understanding the appearand
mine and decay of the Evangell within this realme, for fault of
provisioun of ministers, and interteanement of schooles and col-
ledges, hath thought good and expedient to give their commis-
sioun, and by the tenour heerof, to committ full power to their
loved brethrein underwrittin : they are to say, Mr Robert Pont,
Mr Robert Bruce, Mr David Lindsey, Mr Adam Johnstoun, Mr
Johne Craig, Mr Andrew Mylne, Mr Thomas Buchanan, Mr An-
drew Hay, Johne Porterfield, Mr Peter Blekburne, Johne Dun-
cansone, David Fergusone, Mr William Stirline, Mr Gilbert G air-
din, ministers of the Evangell, or anie seven of them, to compeere
before his Majestic and counsell on Moonday nixt, or some other
day his Majestic and counsell sail appoint, to call, confer, reasoun,
and advise upon the said heed ; and to crave humblie of his Majes-
tic, that the ministers' and readers' assignatiouns may be yeerelie
o-ivin out at Allhallowmasse, and that suche as are provided alreadie
of their stipends ad vitam, and others that are content with the as-
signatiouns alreadie made to them, be unaltered therin, whill they
may obteane better provisioun ; and to that eifect, to travell ear-
nestlie with his Majestic and counsell, and to report again answers
to the nixt Generall Assemblie of the kirk, firme and stable, &c.
MR P. ADAMSONE ACCUSED.
The Presbyterie of Edinburgh having agreed with the Erie of
Huntlie, that if he would subscribe tlie Confessioun of Faith, his
mariao-e sould be solemnized, sindric of the ministrie were forbiddin,
and spcciallie Mr Patrik Adamsone, called Bishop of St Andrewes,
to celebrat his mariage, till he subscribed the Confessioun of Faith ;
1588. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 687
with certificatloim, if they did, they sould be called before the Ge-
iierall Assemblie. Notwithstanding of this admonitioun, Patrik,
called Bishop of St Andrewes, solemnized the said mariage upon
the 21st of Julie, wherupon he was cited before this Assemblie.
He being called, Mr Thomas Wilsone, his procurator, produced a
testimoniall of his sickenesse, and desired the brethreiu, in his name,
that they would rather suffer him to depart in peace, nor to dis-
quiet him in his sickenesse. The Assemblie findeth the testimoniall
not sufficient to excuse his absence. In the fourth sessioun, Mr
Thomas was enquired if he had anie mandat to compeere for Mr
Patrik, and if he would take in hand to wairne him to compeere
before them before their dissolving, or then produce a sufficient
testimoniall of his sickenesse. He answered he had no power, but
compeered excusatorio nomine. The Assemblie findeth it expedient,
to take away all pretext, that he be wairned to compeere before
them upon the twelveth of this instant, to answere according to
the first summouns ; with certificatioun, if he compeere not, thej
will proceed so farre as they may, according to the law of God,
and with a good conscience. He was called on in the ellevinth
sessioun, to answere for the solemnizing of the mariage of George
Erie of Huntlie and his spous, contrare to the inhibitioun of the
moderator of the Presbyterie of Edinburgh, and commissioners of
the Generall Assemblie, and for suche other things as sould be
layed to his charge. Mr Thomas Wilsone compeered for him, and
produced a testimoniall of his sickenesse. Although they found
the testimoniall not altogether sufficient, they gave commissioun
to the Presbyterie of Edinburgh to summoun him to compeere be-
fore them, at suche convenient tymes as they thinke expedient, to
answere for the actioun conteanned in the said summouns, and for
suche other complaints and accusatiouns as sail be in particular
givin in against him, namelie, by Mr Robert and Mr Adam John-
stoun, to heare and consider his defences, and to proceed and give
sentence, as the Assemblie itself might doe, according to the law
of God, good order, and discipline of the kirk.
688 C ALDER-WOO l/S IIISTOUIE 1588.
VISITORS AND COMMISSIONERS.
Sessioun 13.
Forasmuche as in default of visitatloun of the north parts, where
cheefelie greatest necessitie is, have great inconveniences followed,
albeit no wise in default of the brethrein appointed to that charge,
but for laike of provisioun and expenses, the assignatioun for their
charges being made to be payed by the Bishop of St Andre wes,
who, contemptuouslie disobeying good order, lyeth at the home ;
it is not the lesse found expedient that the brethrein to whom com-
missioun was givin of before, sail yitt undertake the burthein of
the said commissioun, their charges and expences to be assigned
unto them out of some readie payment ; and that to this effect, the
commissioners of the north, Mr Johne Keith, Mr Gilbert Gairdin,
and Mr Alexander RaAvsone, sail travell with the Lords of the Ex-
checker, and dilate the necessitie of their visitatioun, and crave the
same assignatioun to be altered, and the commissioners' payment
more commodiouslie appointed. Tuiching the ordinar commission-
ers and visiters of the kirk, nominateth the persons following, viz.,
for Orkney, Thomas Swintoun ; for Cathnesse, Mr Robert Inneis ;
for Rosse, ]\Ir Johne Robertsone ; for Murrey, Mr Alexander Doav-
glas, for whose better support the brethrein requeisteth the Bishop
of Murrey to give his aide to further the discipline there : and for
assessors to the said Mr Alexander, has appointed ]Mr Johne For-
rester, AVilliam Dumbar, Mr Johne Keith, Avith the rest of the as-
sessors granted to the former commissioner. For Bamf, jNIr George
Hay ; for Aberdeenc, Mr Peter Blekburne ; ordeaning the bishop
there to concurre Avith him in the ministric of the said kirk, als
Weill in his presence as absence. For Angus and Mernes, the Su-
perintendent of Angus : ahvise, in respect of the infirmitie of the
said superintendent, giveth poAver to their brother, William Christe-
sone, to designe the manses and glcebs Avithin the said bounds. For
Fyfe, Mr Thomas Buchanan ; for Dumblane, James Andersone ;
1588. OF THE KIEK OF SCOTLAND. 689
for Nlthisdaill, Mr Johne Howesone, ordeaning the Presbyterie of
Glasgow to provide for his absence in his place ; and the brethrein
directed to the Exchecker to be carefull that some reasonable re-
medie be made to beare his charges. For Lothian, Mr David
Liudsey ; for Merce, Tiviotdaill, and Tweeddaill, Johne Clapper-
toun ; for Galloway, Johne Duncansone ; for Kyle, Carict, and
Cunninghame, Mr Johne Porterfeild ; for Cliddisdaill, Kenfrew,
and Lennox, Mr AndrcAV Hay ; for Dunkelden and Perth, Mr
Patrik Galloway.
ACTS FOR THE POORE.
Sessioun 3.
Forasmuche as universallie through the realme there is nather
religioun nor discipline with the poore, but the most part live in
filthie adulterie, incest, fornicatioun, their barnes unbaptized, and
themselves never resort to the kirk, nor participat the sacraments ;
therefore, it is thought expedient that all ministers in their parish
kirks sail make intimatioun, and denounce to all poore that sail
ather be parochiners or resort to them, having weomen and barnes,
that if they report not sufficient testimoniall of their parochiners,
and baptizing of barnes, so manie as have wives and barnes, and
siclyke, where they have participated the holie communioun, that
they will be refused of their almous at the hands of all good and cha-
ritable persons ; exhorting also their parochiners that they rather
extend their liberalitie to suche as be of the houshold of faith ; and
have discreit judgement in giving anie suche persons their almous
that give not evidence to them as said is.
AGAINST BUKIALL IN KIRKS.
Sessioun 5.
Forasmuche as in no countrie Avhere anie religioun is allowed, it
VOL. IV. 2 X
690 calderwood's historie 1588.
is permitted that the clcld be buried in the kirks; and that, albeit in-
hibitioun hath beene diverse times made for avoidino; of that abuse,
neverthelesse, the acts and constitutions of the kirk arc daylie
brokin, therefore, the Assemblie inhibiteth that aide person in tyme
comming be buried in the kirk ; and that no ministers give consent
thereto, but directlle oppone thereto : Certifeing suche persons as
sail be the authors and inbringers of the dead to the said kirk, that
they sail be suspended from the benefits of the kirk whill they make
publict repentance therefore ; and the minister that giveth his con-
sent, or discliargeth not his conscience in opponing thereto, sail be
suspended from his functioun of the ministrie. And to the effect
this act may have better executioun, supplicatioun sail be made to
his Majestic, that an ordinance may passe by his Hienesse and
counsell, discharging the said buriall within kirks, and siclyke
erecting of tombes, and laying of thruches in kirk-yairds, under
suche paines as his Hienesse and counsell please to devise.
A FAST THE FIRST DAY OF EYERIE ASSEMBLIE.
Sessioun 14.
According to the laudable custome observed among the ancients,
of humiliatioun and fasting of the pastors before their assemblie, the
brethrein and Assemblie have thought meete, and by ordinance
statuted, that in tyme comming, when it sail please God to conveene
the Generall Assemblie of this realme, that the first day of the As-
semblie, at the place and toun where they conveene, a publict fast
and humiliatioun be of the whole inhabitants therof, als weill as of
the pastors there conveenned ; and the chaire of veritie als weill occu-
pied before noone in the morning, as after noone by the ordlnar pas-
tors therof, the tyme and hourcs of the exhortatioun made before
tiie Assemblie being keeped as of before, to the effect it may
please God to give his blessing to the conventioun, and good issue
to their travells. And becaus the nixt Assemblie is concluded to
be in Edinburgh, the pastors therof are ordeaned to give intima-
1588. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 691
tioun lieerof to the congregatioun the Sunday before the said As-
semblie.
QUESTIONS.
The questioLin being moved, If a man convicted of adulterie six
yeeres since, satisfeing the kirk by repentance, and now presented
to serve in the ministrie, sould be admitted or not ? it was answered
negativehe. That he ought not to be admitted. Questiouns and
bills remitted to the full Assemblie, which have not receaved an-
swere, the brethrein remitt the decisioun of them to the commis-
sioners which are appointed to attend upon his Majestic, giving
them full power to decide.
COMMISSIOUN FOR PAPISTS.
In the thritteenth sessioun, the Assemblie giveth full power and
authoritie to the Presbyterie of Edinburgh to call before them
Papists and apostats which sail happin to resort to court, or to the
said toun ; and in speciall, to summoun my Lord Setoun, the Erie
of Huntlie, William Schaw, Johne Chisholme, Colonell Stewart,
and to proceed against them, and everie oneof them, according to the
acts of the Assemblie. In the nynth sessioun, Mr Robert Bruce,
Mr Andrew Melvill, John Duncansone, were directed to crave of
the Erie of Huntlie subscriptioun to the Confessioun of Faith.
J. GIBSONE PURGED OF CONTUMACIE.
James Gibsone gave in his supplicatioun in the sixt sessioun,
desiring to be heard, to purge himself of contumacie for non-com-
peerance at the last Assemblie. The Assemblie referred him to
the privie conference. They report after noone to the Assemblie,
that he hath declared of his conscience the cans of his absence
was nather rebellion, stubburnnesse, or evill will, but onlie the
good aifectioun he had to the weale of the kirk in generall, being
692 calderwood's historie 1588.
informed, that if he compeered, and [had] not beene punished, the
effaires of the kirk would have beene rejected by the king. The
brethrein thought this declaratioun sufficient to purge him of con-
tumacie.
MR R. BRUCE REFUSETH AS YITT TO ACCEPT AN ORDINAR CHARGE
IN EDINBURGH.
The commissioner for the toun of Edinburgh desired the Assem-
bhe to requeist Mr Robert Bruce to accept upon him the ordinar
charge of the ministrie in their toun ; which they promised to doe
when he came to the Assemblie. In the tenth sessioun, Mr Robert
being heard, answered, that he would not presentlie accept the said
ordinar place. Alwise offered his labours, as he had done of be-
fore, till the nixt Assemblie. The Assemblie thought it not expe-
dient to urge him farther for the present. In the thritteenth ses-
sioun, the commissioner for Edinburgh desired the Assemblie to
ratifie and approve the calling of Mr William Watsone to the mi-
nistrie in Edinburgh ; which was done in his owne presence, how-
beit he himself was desirous of transportatioun, but was refused.
THE OVERTHROW OF THE SPANISH ARMADA.
The Spanish fleete, the best furnished that hath beene scene
upon the Westerne seas, and arrogantlie intituled " The Invincible
Armado," loused out of the river Tagus, beside Lisbon, the 30th
of May. The Dukes of Guise and Parma expected the armie
sooner, and were prepared at the beginning of June, according to
the king's appointment, better than they were afterward. The
sommer being halfe spent, they doubted Avhether he would send
his armie this yeere or not. But the King of Spaine could not
helpe it ; for his shippes Avere provided at diverse ports, and by
reasoun of contrarie winds, could not be moved. With rauche
adoe, the fleete after some dayes came to Groyne in Galicia.
Upon the 12th of Julie, Alphonsus Peresius, Duke of Medina,
1588. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 693
generall of the fleete, departed from the Groyne. Within one or
two dayes after, he sent advertisement to the Duke of Parma that
the fleete was approaching. Upon the 16th day, the Spanish
fleete was scattered with the wind blowing roughhe, and hardlie
could be gathered till they came within sight of England, the 19th
day of Julie. The Admirall of England being advertised, brought
furth the English fleete to the sea. The English give them leave
to hold on their course, and when they were passed by, came be-
hind them. The admirall sent upon the 21st of Julie a pinnage
before, called the Defiance, to denounce battell, by shootting of
some peeces. Others followed, and thundered upon the hindmost
shippes. After two houres' fight, the English admirall thought it
good not to continue longer, seing that 40 shippes were absent,
w^hich Avere skarse drawin out of Plimmouth haven. Upon the 23d
of Julie, the Spaniards having a favourable north wind, turned
saile upon the English ; the English fetched about a compasse for
the wind. They fought confusedlie for a while ; yitt the Spanish
shipps Avere so high, that the shotts went over the English, but the
English had a fiiire marke to shoot at. Yitt the admirall would
not suffer the English to boord their shippes, becaus they had a
full armie, which he had not ; and the English could not so con-
venientlie grapple with them that were above them. If they had
beene overcome, it would have putt the whole kingdom in hazard.
The Spaniards hold on their course again, and sent to the Duke
of Parma advertisement to joyne with all speed. The English re-
solve not to sett on the enemeis till they came to the Strait of
Calice, but followed after them. Upon the 27th of Julie, the
Spaniards cast anker neere to Calice ; for their seamen wairned
them, that if they went anie further they might perhaps be drivin
by the force of the tyde into the north sea. There wei-e an hun-
dreth fourtie shippes in the English fleete, yitt onlie fyfteene boore
the burthein of the battell. The Spaniard sent to the Duke of
Parma, to send fourtie fleeboates, becaus they could not fight with
the English for the greatnesse and slownesse of their owne shipps;
and intreatted him to come to the sea with his armie. But the
694 calderwood's histouik 1588.
duke was unprovided, and the ports of Dunkirk and Newport were
besett by the Hollanders and Zelanders ; yitt he did what he could.
The nixt day the English admirall tooke eight of the worst shippes,
and filled them with mater fitt for fire, which, by helpe of the
winde, were sett full secrcitlie in the night upon the Spanish fleet,
as they lay at anker. The Spaniards seing the flamrae shyning,
and giving light all over, and supposing the shippes, besides the
danger of fire, to be furnished Avith deadlie ingynes to make
horrible destructioun among them, raised a wofuU cry. Some
pulled up ankers, others for haste cutt their cables ; and so they
fled confusedlie, for feare of the fierie shippes, some to the opin
ocean, some for feare were drivin upon the shallowes of the shoare
of Flanders. The Spanish fleete beganne to gather themselves to-
gether again before Graveling. Drake, Fenner, Fentoun, and
after the admirall and others joyning together, came upon them.
The duke and his vice-admirall, with others, had much adoe to
gett out of the shallowes Avhill they were susteaning the force of
the English ; manie of their shippes were pierced and tome.
Upon the last of Julie the Spaniards strived to recover the straits
again : they were drivin toward Zealand, where they were like to
be cast upon the shallowes. The wind turning, they gott out of
the shalloAves, and beganne to consult Avhat to doe. [They] re-
solved to returne to Spaine by the Northerne seas, becaus they
wanted manie necessars, speciallie shott, and had no hope that the
Duke of Parma could bring furth his forces. So they tooke their
course toAvard the north. The English admirall appointed Seymer
and the Hollanders to watche upon the coast of Flandci's, to stoppe
the Duke of Parma from comming furth. He himself folloAved the
Spaniards upon their backes, till they Avere past Lothiane Firth.
The Spaniards seing all hopes to faile, Avere drivin about Britane
by Scotland, Orkney, Ireland, tossed and shaikin with tempests.
Manie of their shippes Avere cast aAvay upon the coasts of Scotland
and Ireland, and other northerne parts. So this great navie, rigged
out, after three yeeres' preparatioun, with great coast, was over-
throwne within one moneth, and returned home much impaired,
1588. OF THE KIKK OF SCOTL.VND. 695
and Avitli great shame. Wherupon was stamped in England a
coyne, Avith a navie fleing at full saile, and tliis iuscriptloun, " Venit,
vidit, fugit ;" another with shippes fired, the navie confounded, and
with this inscriptioun, " Dux foemina facti."
Thus have jee the summe of that discourse which is made by
Carletoun and Camdene, which is sufficient for this our historic.
If anie desire farther informatioun of this great overthroAV, lett them
read Stow, and others who have writtin amplie of that subject.
This great deliverance is never to be forgottin by us or our poste-
ritie ; for it was the intentioun of the cruell Spaniard to extirpat
the native inhabitants, and to plant themselves in their roomes. It
was, therefore, no small mater of joy and confort of the godlie, to
heare that the great and invincible Armado was scattered, and to see
hundreths of their enemeis cast away upon our coasts, to wander
abroad through our countrie begging. They found greater clemencie
and charitie nor they ather deserved or expected. Some of the
shippes Avere taikin and spoiled by the English, in the narrow seas ;
some were taikin by the Hollanders ; some, driven through neces-
sitie, landed in Scotland, but the most part perished upon the Irish
coast. The Duke of Medina arived in Spaine about the end of
September, and of all the royall navie he caried furth, there re-
turned onlie threescore saile sore distressed. Skarse was there
anie familie of note in Spaine which had not lost a kinsman or a
neere allie.
THE POPISH LORDS TRAFFIQUE WITH THE SPANIARDS.
Notwithstanding of this notable overthrow of the Spanish Ar-
mado, the traffiquing Papists in this countrie ceassed not from their
traffique ; like the serpent, which being cutt and wounded in diverse
places, still stirreth and minasseth. The Popish lords, Huntlie and
his confederats, still solicited the Spaniards to come to this coun-
trie. They drew Bothwell to their factioun. He waged men of
warre, pretending he was to goe to the Lewes, and obteaned a war-
rant from the king to cans the toun of Edinburgh pay him five thow-
696 calderwood's niSTORiE, &c. 1588.
sand merks. Tliey refusing, he said he soidd cans the carles of
Edinburgh dryte him a thowsand crowns, in despite of their liearts.
Upon Thursday, the thrid of October, he urged James Nicoll, mer-
chant, to find cautioun to come to him to Crichtoun the day follow-
ing, under the paine of foure thowsand merkes. Becaus he refused,
he tooke him captive to Crichtoun. The citicens threatned to pull
Both well out of Crichtoun by the eares, and to make his hous
equall with the ground. The magistrats sent some of the citicens
to the king to complaine. Bothwell, fearing the king and the toun
of Edinburgh, sett James Nicoll at libertie, and so gained nothing
but shame and discredit to himself.
AN UNIVERSALL FAST.
There Avas a fast keeped through the whole countrie for the
notable deliverie God had givin from the invasioun attempted by
the cruell Spaniard, which beganne upon Saturday, the nynteenth of
October, and continued three Sabboth dayes, wherwith was joyned
the celebratioun of the Lord's Supper.
Colonell Stewart returned from Denmark the 17th of November,
with answere, that the king had appointed his sonne as successour,
to performe that which Avas treatted upon concerning the matche.
nUNTLIE MADE CAFTAN OF THE GUAEDE.
A conventioun was holdin at Ilalyrudhous the 28th of November.
Huntlie Avas made captan of the guarde, and the Maister of Glames
removed from that charge. Huntlie and his factioun stayed with
the king, Avho stayed all this winter in the Abbey. They dealt
earnestlie with the king to remove from the court the Chanceller,
Treasurer, and other officers of estat, or ellis to change them ; but
could not as yitt perswade him.
APPENDIX.
THE TESTAMENT OF MR JAMES LAWSONE, SOME TIME FIRST MINI-
STER OF EDINBURGH, IN SCOTLAND, MADE IN HIS EXILE, AT HIS
DECEASE IN LONDOUN, THE DAY OF 1584 ; FALSE AND
FAINED BY BISHOP ADAMSONE.
" I, Mr James Lawsone, a man of obscure birth and parentage,
knowne first in my povertie by my educatioun and good literature,
and therafter, more famous by promotioun and opinioun popular ;
now in a forrane land, called by God's pleasure from the miserable
servitude of this bodie and mortall life to the esperance of happie
libertie and life eternall, and moved by instigatioun divine, to direct
to my countrie men this my latter will and testament, whereby my
conscience may be discharged, and the contrarious opinions which
the diversitie of men's phantaseis and affectiouns might otherwise
collect, may be satisfeid : wherin I heartihe crave patience of the
reader in my single and round dealing, becaus I am in the time of
naked veritie, where dissimulatioun and hypocrisie has no farther
place ; as also, to receave that which I am to propone, as proceed-
ing from the authoritie of God's Holie Spirit, and to esteem therof
as of mater of weight and importance, as is accustomed to be
spokin and intreated at the times of extremiteis, when men's judge-
698 APPENDIX.
ment is most resolved, and the tongue most freelie opened, to utter
gi-avelie and solemnlie tlie weightie concepts and deliberatiouns of
the minde, ravished from tlie Avorldlie in heavenlie contempla-
tions.
The First Article of the Author's Confession.
1. "I confesse that I have beene in all the course of my life a
greevous sinner, offending the Majestic of God, violating his holic
lawes, and transo;ressino: his blessed institutions.
2. " I confesse that, by the instigatioun of Sathan, the tempter
of the world, I have beene covetous of the vaine wind of man's
praise, and have followed, with the first parents, the deadlie apple
of ambitioun, wherby I Avas so upblowne and uplifted, that I alto-
gether disrcmembered the poore shelld or cottage wherin I was
borne, the obscuritie of my parentage, and thought the places and
societeis of the prince and nobilitie inferiour to my great de-
servings.
3. " I confesse I was so carefull to retaine and conserve this un-
happie prey of vaine glorie which I had once catched, that stood
by interteaning opiniouns of the inconstant multitude, that for the
preservatioun therof, I have often times teached affectionatelie in
the chairc of veritie, directed rather by popular sermouns to ])lea-
sure the seditious affectioun of the multitude, nor for the confort
and instructioun of the godlie.
4. " I was in opinioun that all the monarchs, princes, and great
men in Christianitie, are manifest tyranns, oppressing their infe-
riours, and opposing themselves, for the most part, to the establish-
ment of reformed religioun ; and, therefore, that all the present
estat of princes and noblemen sould be reduced to equalitie and
governement, or rather, confusioun popular.
5. " I was in opinioun tliat all magistrats, of whatsomever kinde
or title, sould be elected, receaved, and deposed, by the suffrages
and devotioun of the multitude ; moved by the exemples of the go-
vernement of Israel in the time of their Judges, of the regiment of
APPENDIX. 699
the Romans In the dayes of their Consuls, and by the administra-
tioun latehe receaved amongst the Cantons of the Swltzers, profes-
sors of religioun.
6. " I was in oplnloun that the ministrie sould acknowledge no
superlour in their professioun, but all sould be equall amongst them-
selves ; and, therefore, damned publictlie the reverend, ancient,
and godlie estate of bishops, moved by the exemple of Geneva,
who banished their lord and bishop, in the first embracing of our
religioun.
7. "I Avas in opinioun that the ministrie sould receave no cer-
tane governement whereto they sould be bound, but detean them-
selves alwayes in mutable estate under the colour of the apostolick
exemple, to be thereby the better coverture and cloake to everie
factioun that they sould raise to disquiet the countrie, and so in
troubled waters to establishe their supremacie.
8. " I was in opinioun that kings and all estats sould be judged
by the ministrie in maters of conscience ; which I extended more
largelie than ever was meant by the Bishops of Rome, in time of
their greatest corruptioun.
9. " I was of opinioun that the ministrie sould be exeemed
from all jurisdictioun temporall, in maters of their doctrine, that
thereby they might extend their libertie to exclame against the
estat and publlct lawes of the realme, with impunitie.
10. " I was in opinioun that the king and nobilitie sould be
censured, and admonished to receave and obey the lawes and acts
of our Assembleis, under the paines of excommunicatioun ; and if
they disobeyed, to be exauthorized and deposed.
11. " I was in opinioun to degrade all the bishops of our
countrie, ather directlie, in condemning of the estate, as was agreed
in our Assembleis, under the paines of excommunication, or ellis
indirectlie, by calumniating their maners and conversations, wher-
in I have givin my pernicious consent and counsell.
12. " I was in opinioun that the king, the noblemen, and all the
counsell, and all the subjects of the realme, who injoyed anie pos-
eessioun or commoditie of the patrimonie of the kirk, sould be
700 APPENDIX.
charged to dimltt and renunce the same, by authorltie summar of
our Generall Assemblie, under paine of excommunication ; and so
to alter the constitutions of the countrie, to dispossesse the great-
est part of the noLilitie and gentlemen, and therby to induce a pe-
rellous and perpetuall dissensioun in the land.
13. "I was of opinioun that the erles sould not sitt in parlia-
ment and coimsell, but by commissioun direct from the conventions
of barons ; natlier the prelats, but by commissioun givin from the
authorltie of assembleis of the ministrie ; meaning to induce there-
by the like contradictioun among the state of barons, as we have
alrcadie induced betuixt us and the prelats.
14. " I was in opinioun that wecmcn for their sexe, and children
for their non-age, sould not beare regiment in anie sort of com-
moun wealth.
15. "I was in opinioun that subjects might judge and correct
the maners and abuses of their prince and his counsell ; wherupon,
I concluded the coactam deprivationem of the Queene of Scotland,
the unleasome taking and seasing on the king's person at Ruthven,
and the rebellious attempt, in the last usurping of the castell and
toun of Stirline.
16. " I was in opinioun that the discipline ecclesiastick sould
proceed onlie from the authorltie of the assembleis of ministers,
under the pretence of the imitatioun of the apostolick puritle ; and
that the princes and estats were bound to obey and execute the
conclusiouns of the said assembleis, without contradictioun or op-
positioun thereto.
17. " I was in oj)inioun that the forme of religioun now receaved
in England, etc., or ellis where, which is not approved and con-
firmed with the order observed at Geneva, was superstitious and
idolatrous.
18. " I was in opinioun that the ancient counsells and fixthers
had often times erred in maters of religioun and discipline, and,
therefore, might be better informed and corrected by our late and
recent doctors, and present Assembleis.
19. " I Avas in opinioun that subjects might lawfullie invade and
APPENDIX. 701
defend In armour, hostiliter, against their princes and superiours,
for reformatioun of religioun.
20. "I was in opinioim that everle minister might judge upon
the acts of parHament, and alloAV or condemne of them in publict,
if the same deros-ated anie thins^ to the conchisiouns of the Assem-
bleis ; for which cans, I was moved to protest against the late par-
liament at the Croce of Edinburgh.
21. "I Avas in opinioun, at my late departure from Scotland,
that all the ministers of the realme sould leave their charges ; mean-
ing thereby to raise an universall disobedience in the land against
the king and the estate ; and to provoke the remanent by my ex-
emple, I deserted my flock of Edinburgh, to the great trouble of
my conscience.
22. " I was in opinioun that treasoun spokin in pulpit sould be
judged of the kirk, and not by the king, in the first instance ; and,
therefore, I approved the audacitle of Mr Andrew Melvill, who
being conveened before the counsell, to answere upon his seditious
and treasonable doctrine, provoked and appealed from the king's
judgement to his judge competent.
23. " I was in opinioun that the deposing, disheriting, and ex-
iling of all men, of everle and whatsomever estate, refusing to re-
ceave and professe the reformed religioun, and discipline established
by our Assembleis, was pleasant and acceptable to God.
24. " I was in opinioun that Generall Assemblies sould be con-
veened in a Christian monarchic and republick, by the absolute
power of the kirk, and without the authoritie, knowledge, and consent
of the Christian magistrat.
25. " I was in opinioun that they who are called by us Papists
are more contrarious and opposite to Christ, and salvatloun in him,
than the Jew, Turlce, Saracene, or other infidels."
The Second A/'ticle of the Author'' s Repentance.
1. "I repent from my heart the offences which I have com-
mitted against my God, craving humblie his pardoun and mercie
702 APPENDIX.
in the name and obedience of my Saviour, Jesus Christ, his Sonne ;
praying that he will not call me to a compt in his rigour, but in
his mercie ; and sings to him, •with the prophet and singer David,
' Lord, in thy wrathe reprove me not, nor in thy furie me cor-
rect, etc'
2. " I repent my proud ambitious presumptiouns, acknowledging
I am an unworthie worme of the earth, as short experience will
manifest, when this my carcase sail become the food therof ; and
therefore sings, with the father Job, that I have beene produced
naked in the world, and sail depart naked therefra ; acknoAvledging
the punishments of God, in this my doole and dejectioun, justlie to
falle against me, for my ambitious intentiouns in time of my pros-
peritie ; acknowledging, how vaine it is to putt confidence in crea-
ture, or to putt felicitie upon the inconstant wheele of w^orldlie
honours and estimation.
3. " I repent that, in the time of my libertie, my mlnde and
mouth was more inclined to the pleasures of men, and interteane-
ment of their afFectiouns toward me, nor the advancement of the
glorie of God, kingdome of Christ, and quietnesse of my countrie ;
and, therefore, I acknowledge that God now in his justice has closed
my mouth in this land, wherin I expected and looked for greater
refuge and libertie ; and now mones, with the prophet David, that
I have no place to praise my God in his holie sanctuarie.
4. " I repent that I past the bounds of my calling, and dipped
in the maters that were not in my professioun ; and acknowledge
my errour in determining against the estat of monarchs, princes,
and noblemen of Christianitie, becaus they are the ordinances of
God, whatsoever they be in their owne maners and conversatioun ;
and, therefore, Avho resists the higher powers rebells against God,
and Avho obcyes the higher powers obeyeth in them also God ; as
the doctrine of the Sonne of God and his apostles verifeis, in the
times of the governement of the Koman emperours, albeit infidels in
religioun, and tyrannicall usurpators of the Judaick libertie. And
becaus the monarchs, princes, and noblemen of Europ, are suspi-
cious of our inclinatioun to obedience, who professe the reformed
APPENDIX. 703
reHgioun, -whereby the course and successe therof is this day ve-
hementHe impeded, I exliort all my brethrein and professors of the
said religioun to a greater reverence in words, to a greater sub-
missioun, and more obedient reverence in deed, to the authoritie of
their princes, in time to come, nor heertofore they have declared.
" As to the forme of establishing of magistrats, whether by suc-
cessioun or by electioun, both the formes are lawfull, and are au-
thorized by exemples and testimonies from Scripture, in the go-
vernement of Israel ; as also, by the lawes and exemples of the
regiment receaved among the Romans and other nations. Alwise,
in this iland, the successioun of princes is more convenient nor the
electioun, becaus the same is confirmed by perpetuall lawes and
ancient consuetude, the perverting wherof will carie with it a perel-
lous novatioun ; and also, by the heritable descent and birth of a
prince, God is made a judge to decide that right and pre-eminence,
which in our contentious land would hardlie be accorded by elec-
tioun.
" I confesse that the ministers sould be answerable to a certane
superiour judge of their owne professioun, and that, for good order,
and eviting of schismes, sects, and dissentiouns amongst them ;
otherwise, if all be of ec^uall estate, there will arise, as the learned
Augustine sayes, as manie hereseis in the kirk as there are preests ;
and, therefore, the authoritie of the godlie and discreet governours,
who, in antiquitie, were called bishops, is weill constitut in the
kirk, and has givin experience in all ages how profitable their go-
vernement was in times when the magistrats were Christians, as also,
in times when the kirk was un quieted by the midtitude of hereseis
and cruell persecutions of the bloodie tyi-anns. And, therefore, I
allow not of the fiict of the citicens of Geneva, who degraded their
lord and bishop, under pretence of contrare religioun ; and muche
lesse now I approve that now they have not elected their superiour
of the former estate.
" And albeit this alteratioun may be debated by some reasonable
colours by the authors therof, yitt I cannot be induced to assent
that this extraordinar exemple sould bring an universall imitatioun
704 APPENDIX.
to alter and change the godlle estat of bishops, cheefelle In the regi-
ment of kings and monarchs, wherin the alCeratloun of estats is so
perellous. I remember it is writtin in an ancient liistorle, that the
Roman Primacie arose by tlie dissensions of princes and factiouns
in countrels. But that we, in possessioun of reformation, sould
aspire by the like meanes, and to the same greatness which we
condemne in others, it is not tolerable, Avithout evident arguments
of ambitioun and seditious nature, contrare to the works of the
Holie Spirit which we professe. And, therefore, I damne the un-
certane governement which has beene receaved in our reformed
kirk before, and wills the same to be brought in a solide order,
partlie from the precepts of Scripture, and partlle from the exemple
of the primative constitutions.
" I confesse that Paull taught all soule to be subject to the supe-
riour powers, which the reverend father, Chrysostome, extends to
all persons, of all estat and professioun. And, therefore, it is not
tolerable by the Scripture, that ministers sould be exeemed from
the civill jurisdiction, specially in maters concerning the estate, not-
withstanding anie locall or personall immunitle that may be alledged
in the contrare therof. There is no good warrant nather from
testimonie, from Scripture, doctrine, nor exemple of antiqultle.
" As concerning the ecclesiasticall judgement, I understand the
same Is concluded in the right admlnistratloun of the spirltuall keyes
whereby the heavens are opened in the promises of God's merceis
to the penitent, and the heavens are closed to the rebellious and im-
penitent. And so, the preaching and Interpretatloun of the Word
is the first point of ecclesiasticall judgement, wherupon dependeth
the constitutioun and executioun of ecclesiasticall discipline, which
ought to be grounded upon mercie and charitie, that thereby the
klngdome of God may increasse ; and not to be writtin in letters of
blood, as were the lawes of Draco, and execute with great severitie,
which gave occasiouns of great dissensiouns in the primative Church.
Nather sould the cloke of conscience be so farre enlarged to everle
mater that falls in controversie, least we appeare to follow that ec-
clesiasticall tyrannic, which we, in our doctrine, condemne in the
APPENDIX. 705
Pope's usurped jurlsdictioun. It Is but a rare exemple that kings
and 23rinces have beene publictlie censured. And, therefore, I
would beware in following rare exeraples in maters of perellous prac-
tise and great importance, becaus, as Demosthenes weill affirmed,
' Vivimus sub legihus, et non sub exemplis.' It is not read that kings
and princes, howbeit of ungodlie professioun and wicked conversa-
tioun, have beene deposed and exauthorized by decreet and assent
of pastors, before the time of corrupt] oun. And, therefore, I disas-
sent that the kirk sail meddle in maters of the prince's crowne,
speciallie in the contradictions and questions of policie, discipline,
and cercmoneis.
" I confesse, that audacious and ignorant zeale moved me to as-
sent to condemne the necessar, ancient, and godlie estate of bishops ;
and the samine were the occasiouns of my pernicious counsells to
proceed indirectlie against them, by calumniating their maners and
conversatioun. I repent that I have presumed to damne that
which has beene so lovablie established. I repent that malice has
prevailed with me, whereby I have beene sett to enter over-curiouslie
in the maners of my brethrein, which exact triell and examinatioun
my self is not able to abide ; and, therefore, I desire that all our
ecclesiasticall censures may be ruled by the law of charitie, not to
destroy, but to build up the hous of the Lord.
" As to the restitutioun of the kirk's patrimonic, I grant the
same is manifestlie abused, but sould be orderlie redressed, and by
the authoritie of the lawes and magistrats ; which I doubt not will
be done, when it sail please God to move and incline the hearts of
the prince and his estats thereto ; which is yitt delayed for the
punishment of our avaricious intentiouns.
" As concerning the forme and authoritie of Parliament and
Counsell, it is not in our professioun to determine therin, wherefore,
I referre the same to the practick, consuetude, and positive lawes
of our countrie. And if it were leasome to me to interpone my
judgement, I would be in opinioun that the multitude sould not have
place nor suffrage therin, becaus of confused opiniouns, but rather,
the said priviledge to stand in certanc places and persons, according
VOL. lY. 2 Y
706 APPENDIX.
to the ancient erectiouns ; which persons I would wishc to be in-
dued with the qualiteis correspondent to the said priviledgc.
" I confesse that weomen, childrein, and wicked princes, are
givin in God's punishementj as the Scripture testifeis ; but yitt, they
are tlie ordinance of God, authorized by good lawcs, and, therefore,
sould be obeyed ; wherin I disassent from the author of the booke
called ' The Blast of the Trumpet,' and all others that have written
in the argument against the govcrnement of weomen.
"I disassent that subjects sould tak place and authoritie to cor-
rect and controll the prince and his counsell ; and, therefore, abhorre
the late rebelliouns and conspiraceis which have beene attempted by
the subjects of Scotland against their naturall prince, contrare all
good lawes and exemples, and wherethrough the saids attempters
have felt the punishment of God's justice. Wherupon I will ex-
hort my brethrein of the ministrie to a more quiett dispositioun,
and all the subjects of our countrie to a better inclinatioun to obe-
dience of their naturall prince, and all the late rebellious attempters
to humble themselves to God's mercie and his Majestie's favour.
" Concerning the authoritie of ecclesiasticall discipline, I am in
opinioun, that Avhere the Word of God beares an expresse perpetuall
command, the same craves a necessarie and universall obedience of
all faithfull. But where constitutions by the expressed Word are
necessar for the ecclesiasticall policie, that the same sould be insti-
tute and authorized by commoun consent of the civill and ecclesi-
asticall authoritie ; becaus, in ceremoneis and constitutions, quod
omnes tangit, ah omnibus approhari debet.
" Concerning the diversitie of the forme of rcligioun, now diverse-
lie allowed in diverse countreis and kingdomes professing reforma-
tioun, I am in opinioun, if diversitie be in substance, that the same
cannot be imposed ex {mperio partium, nather by tlic exemple and
prescriptioun of onllc Geneva, but by the generall dcterminatioun
of a councell, convcened by mutuall consent and authoritie of all
princes and magistrats professing the reformed religioun. And if
the diversitie consist in maters of ceremonie and policie, the nature
wherof is not so prejudiciall, becaus it is nather possible nor expedient
APPENDIX. 707
that an unlversall uniformitie be observed in ccremoneis and tradi-
tiouns, but ratlier, it is more profitable and expedient that the
same, being agreeable with God's Word, be framed and constitute
for the advancement of religioun and service of God, upon the right
consideratioun what may be best expedient in respect of the cir-
cumstances of the times, persons, and places, leaning alwise to the
ground of the law of God and weelefare of the kirk.
" I confesse I have presumptuouslie laboured v/ith ray com-
paniouns to diminishe and extenuat the samine, and authoritie of
the ancient councells and Others ; as also, in advancing and extoll-
ing the conclusiouns of our Assembleis. But now, being more fa-
miliar with the grave workes and sentences of the ancients, I am
compelled to grant, that there is no comparisoun betuixt their
honours and ours, moe nor is betuixt the naturall brightnesse of
the sunne and borrowed light of the moone. And, therefore, I
confesse, that nixt and after the Scriptures, the authoritie to be at-
tribute to the judgement of primitive councels and ancient fathers,
in the deterrainatioun and compositioun of all thir questions in re-
ligion and discipline.
" I have learned from ancient times and exemples, that the ar-
mour of Christian subjects is patience in the crosse, and esperance
of victorie in the power and promises of God through Jesus Christ :
And, therefore, I remember not to have read, that Christian sub-
jects have at anie time armed themselves, in persute or defense,
against their princes and magistrats. And therefore esteemes,
that all the bookes compyled and made by recent authors, to ap-
prove the rebellious Christian subjects against their princes for anie
cans, to be perellous and seditious doctrine in a Christiane commoun
wealth, seing in the primitive kirk Christians triumphed in patience
and suffering, and were crowned with the glorious crowne of mar-
tyrdome.
" It is not tolerable, that subjects of whatsomever estat or pro-
fessioun sail, by privat authoritie, condemne the publict lawes of
the maglstrat, albeit the same appeare to derogate to privat consti-
tutions. But if the publict law be offensive, it is the part and
708 APPENDIX.
office of the subject, of whatsoracver professioun, to seeke the re-
formation therof by humble suppllcatioun, tliat the estat of the
countrie be not unquietted by sucldan and extraordinar novations.
" I repent from my heart that ever this pernicious opinioun en-
tered in it, to perswade the ministrie to desert their vocatiouns,
thereby to induce a generall defectioun in this land, and miscon-
tentment against the king and his state ; wherin there has entered
a multitude of monstruous imperfcctiouns, as the contempt of the
Word, negligence of the charge, defrauding of the flocke, seditious
intentiouns against the prince of the same religioun and profes-
sioun with us. And, therefore, in remembrance therof, I am
brought in great debate of conscience, and had almost succumbed
in despaire, if God's mercifull promises had not conforted me.
Alwise, my battell is ended with bloodie victorie, and by losse of
the life present ; and I gladelie yeeld to redeeme myself from
troubles of conscience, and inexcusable accusatiouns from my flocke.
And for the further satisfactioun and quietting of minde, I crave
pardoun frome God, from the king, my soverane, and from my
flocke, and from the whole kirke of Scotland, whom I maliciouslie
ofi'ended and abused, in the unleasome deserting of my said voca-
tioun, and upon ungodlie intentiouns. I am sorie that the mean-
ing of treasoun sould enter in the heart or in the mouth of the mi-
nisters of God's truthe. But if, by the craft of Sathan, men of
that professioun be corrupted and abused, to proftine the chaire of
veritie with the doctrine of devills and treasoun, I am in opinioun,
that in all instances, and in all persons of Avhatsomever estate, the
crime of treasoun sould be judged and punished by the civill magi-
strat. And, therefore, I confesse and avow, that the fault of Mr
Andrew Melvill, in declyning the king's judgement, in the accusa-
tioun of treasoun, M'as temerarious and audacious, without anie
■warrant of the Word, and exemple in antiquitie.
" I am not perswadcd, that men sould be foi'ced or compelled to
receave religioun ; ather that the mercie of God is jileascd with cru-
delitie ; ather that we sould rejoice in the miserie and afflictioun of
anie man who bcares God's image, whose heart is in the Lord's
x\PPENDIX. 709
hands, to fusliioun and frame at his owne pleasure ; but rather,
men are induced to religioun by doctrine and perswasioun, joyned
with instructioun and operatioun of the Hohe Spirit, and God the
Father of mercie is pleased with merciful! and charitable beha-
viour : and as the angels of heaven are said to rejoice in the con-
versioun of sinners, by their exemple we sould also be glade of the
conversioun of our brethrein.
" Concerning the authoritie to conveene Generall Assembleis, I
learne in the registers of antiquitie, that where the princes and
magistrats were Christians, the Generall Assembleis were con-
veened and assisted by their presences and authoriteis : but where
the magistrats were adversars to the truthe, then the kirk, under
the crosse of persecutioun, assembled themselves, as God ministred
the opportunitie and occasiouu.
" Albeit, in burning and vehement indignatioun against suche as
were called Papists, I affirmed them to be in equall ranke with in-
fidels, yitt now, when this great ardor is somewhat mitigated, and
in this time of my extremiteis, Avhen the passiouns and perturba-
tions of my minde are better composed, and my judgement resolved,
I am brought almost in the contrare sentence : becaus, I consider
an argument in the articles of faith and salvatioun, and our prin-
cipall controverseis, to stand upon the diversitie of the interpreta-
tion and meaning of Scriptures, in the authoritie and nature of the
testimoneis and traditiouns ; which questiouns are intreatted with
suche injureis on either part, that thereby the said diversiteis are
muche aggravated ; wherein, I would crave of God a more Chris-
tian e, brotherlie, and modest forme of disputatioun, whereby, I
doubt not, but greater profite sould be gathered, to the increasse of
God's kirk, nor by the blasphemous invections wherewith so manie
papers and bookes, by the contradictor writters of this age, are pro-
faned and defiled."
710 APPENDIX.
THE THPJD ARTICLE : CONCERNING CERTAN EPISTLES DIRECTED
TO HIS BRETHREIN, SOME OF THE CHEEFE MINISTERS IN SCOT-
LAND.
To Mr Andrew Hay, Person of Renfreio.
Brother, — There .ire manie conditioiins and necessiteis betuixt
us, whereby our freindship has beene contracted and conserved, and
Avhereby all impediments, generall and particular, heretofore have
beene covered. But now, seing I am at this point, ye will please
appardoun me, to preferre the veritie above our particular freind-
ship, and the glorie of God above your privat honour, and so
distinguishe your maners from the cloke of religioun wherewith yc
have covered the corruption therof in times bypast, whereby ye
may learne to reforme yourself, and good men may be forewarned
of your hypocrisie.
Brother, be remembred, that after yee were entered in the mi-
nistrie, and a little before your mariage, yee begatt a daughter in
adulterie with Alisoun Weir, spous to Johne Galloway, whereby
that mariage and familie was dissolved and skailed. Ye were
guiltie of the blood of one called Seigneur Davie, scrvitour to the
king's mother. Ye were heavilie bruted and delated in the late
justice courts, for the art and part of the king's father's murther.
I ken ye stirred up, by all your moyen and diligence, the attempt
against the king's person at Ruthven, as some of the nobilitie that
suffered, and some that are yitt alive, testified. Ye travelled by all
your moyen to invade the honour and life of the late Duke of
Lennox, in raising the kirk to be his contradictor. Ye were in the
counsell and device of the usurping of Stirline, and of all the sedi-
tious attempts which have beene raised against the king and his
estates ; for the which, as I am informed, ye have receaved the
king's pardoun and remissioun, Avhich is no good evident for a man
of your professioun. Ye are so inclyned to companie, that everie
night ye passe so merrilie to bed, that men may understand your
APPENDIX. 711
intemperancie. I kuoAV myself, that after your merrinesse, and in
your companionrie, yee have spokin irreverentlle of the king's birth
and parents. Yee are so proud and ambitious in your owne
opinioun and conceate, that albeit yee be a gentleman of meane
birth, qualitie, and estate, yitt ye darre contemne the greatest of
the nobilitie in the realme. Ye are so invyous of nature, and pro-
digall of men's honours, that yee cannot report good of your best
freind, and rather ere yee sould laike argument to detract, yee will
lee on yourself. Yee are bruited to be a commoun bryber, and to
oversee all the corruptiouns within your jurisdictioun, and punishe
no man, but ather him that will not, or may not, brybe yom' good
will. Yee have sett your benefice in assedatioun to your brother-
in-law, as a mediat person, and for a small duetie, presuming
thereby to convoy the commoditie therof to your wife and childrein,
after your decease. Yee have named your eldest sonne to succeed
in your benefice, . and make heritage of the Lord's honour. Yee
are so negligent in your studie, that yee are not leasured to preache,
and so occupied in companionrie, and embracing seditious attempts,
that ye are not leasured to doe good. I heare say, ye have pro-
cured the vicarage of Inchemaine to your eldest sonne, by circum-
ventioun of a young gentleman of the name of Maxwell, to whom
ye gave your testimoniall and admissioun, in your commissionarie
of before. Yee have procured another vicarage of Evendaill to
another sonne, with dispensatioun of the charge.
Thir corruptions, brother, and manie moe, are so manifest into
you, that, except yee reforme the same, yee cannot have place to
reprehend others. Appardoun my famiKar and single dytement,
proceeding from true love toward you, and affectioun to God's
glorie and true religioun ; and learne, that God so abhorres hypo-
crisie, that he will not suffer the same undiscovered, and, therefore,
will sometimes mak instruments of the hypocrit's most familiars,
as ye may see, by my exemple, of whom I am assured, ye looked
not to be disclosed. But if God has destinat me to be that instru-
ment, ye know, I cannot eshew the conclusiouns of his fatal
712 ArrENDix.
counsells. And for departing from you, I take my last good
night, etc.
To Mr David Lindsay, Minister at Leith.
Beother, — I have learned by your conversatioun, that yee are
a man double in all your proceedings, and make your advantage
of all turnes that come in your maniement. As ye practised latelie
in following the Duke of Lennox his intentiouns, so long as he ap-
peared to be the instrument of your advantage ; therafter, seing
his wheele like to alter, ye putt your hand first to the worke, and
was participant of the attempt of Ruthven, and of the said duke's
persecution and banishement; and therafter, ye insinuat yourself
Avith the king, as a secreit favourer of the said duke, and offered
yourself to serve his Majestie's intentions, in the alteratioim of his
competitors, wherupon yee were putt in commission with Colonell
Stuart to England ; and espying a better advantage at the enemie
of England's hands, ye changed your cloke, and joyned in a privat
commissioun with Mr Johne Colvill, contrare your former allowance
of the duke, and so circumveened the said colonell, that he might
Weill report, that a souldiour had more truth under the coat of his
armour, nor a minister under the syde cloke of his religioun.
Ye are verie negligent in teaching, that ye like rather to be
esteemed readie to the Linkes and taverne, nor to your booke or
pulpit; becaus your auditors in Leith cannot judge so Aveill of your
theologie, as your companions can disccrne your skill in games, and
habilitie in taverne craft. Yee have purchasscd by money the per-
sonage of Restalrig to your sonne, with reservatioun of a great
part of the commoditie therof to yourself induring your time. Ye
have appropriate the frier's lands of Beritie to your particular and
privat use ; has fewed them to your wife and childrein after you,
and troubles the ancient possessers, burthened with great and ho-
nest famileis, of whom ye receave more maledictiouns daylie, nor
ye give benedictions in sindric sermouns. 1 lieare it reported
APPENDIX. 713
hcere In England, that ye are one of her Majestie's pensioners,
which is suspicious, aud unsecming in a man of your professioun.
"When ye were commissioner in the West, it wasassuredlie declared,
to rac, that ye had begottin two bairncs in adulterie. Which
shxunders and corruptiouns are so intolerable in you, that if yee re-
form not the same, in my judgement, ye sail bring the religioun it-
self, and estat of ministrie, in great contempt of the people.
My sickenesse will not suffer me to insist longer with you, and,
therefore, I bid you fareweill in the Lord.
To Master George Hay.
Brother, — When I remained in the North of Scotland, ye
knew I mislyked manie things- in you ; and, first, that ye possessed
two benefices incompatible, the one being distant one hundred and
twentie myles from the other, wlierof ye are not able to discharge
the cure. Ye defend this your corruptioun by the colour of your
onlie provisioun from the dayes of the Pope. But if ye have not
a better warrant from God and good conscience, I think the Pope's
dispensatioun sail not excuse you in the day of the Lord, when ye
sail answere for the blood of them that have perished by your ne-
gligence. I understand your benefice of Rathene is founded for the
interteanement of an hospitall of poore, and ye to be the master
therof : with what conscience, then, have ye spoiled the poore, and
converted that which is proper unto them, unto the particular use
and profite of yourself, and childrein after you ? Brother, yee are
evill slaundered. It is an odious conqueist to raise up your hous
by the spuilzie and oppressioun of the poore ; and yee have latelie
felt a part of God's punishment, in the suddane decease of your
eldest Sonne, in the day of his mariage, for whom yee had destinat
the unleasome conqueist. I heare, also, by some of your owne
name, that ye have unleasomlie ejected them furth of their ancient
possessiouns, and has appropriat the samine to the increasse of your
said conqueist, wherewith, no doubt, ye will injoy manie and perel-
lous malcdictiouns upon yourself and your postcritic.
714 APPENDIX.
I know, myself, that yc allow the good conipanioun at the
tavernc, and is of sanguincan temperature. And, tlicrefore, your
countenance now bemg solitarc, may be suspected, speciallle Avlien
suspiciouns are fostered by credible reports. You are so negli-
gent in your office, and so carefull in maters of the world, and pre-
servation of your conqueist, that your sermons arc rare, and your
residence, for the most part, in attending upon court and scssioun ;
and when yee remain at your hous, ye fall in suche debate with
your nighbour, Mr Gilbert Gardin, a minister not unlike yourself,
and a man of a troublous nature, that if a marke of our reformed
kirk consisted in unitie, ye would hazard, by your dissentiouns, the
whole estate therof. Ye are of a proud and ambitious nature, and
stands meekle upon your owne reputatioun, which is a vice of an
evill exemple in a man of your professioun. Wherefore, brother,
I exhort you in the name of God, that ye repaire thir corruptiouns ;
and in speciall, to mak restitutioun to the poore, and to provide for
your posteritie by lawfull meanes, that God's benedictioun may re-
maine with you and them, to whose Holie Spirit I committ you.
To Mr Robert Pont, Froveist of the Queen's Hospitall.
Beotiier, — Albeit I boore good countenance with you, yitt, in
conscience, I abhorred diverse corruptiouns. First, although ye
professe letters and humanitie, yc are of nature so churlish and
untractable, that yee can nathcr shew your civill offices and dueties
to men of better ranke, nather can ye keepe socio tie Avith your
pares and ceqiiales ; wherin yee give occasioun to men to thinke, that
ministers have rejected all humanitie and civill maners, which maks
men odious to the people. Ye have affirmed and taught, that it
is unsuffiarable to a minister to injoy pluralitie of functiouns and
charges, wherin yee have declared your great hypocrisic ; becaus
ye yourself, in your acclamed worthinesse, alloAves that ye may
lawfullle, in your persoun, beare the office of a senator in Scssioun,
of a proveist in Hosj)italitie, of a preacher in pulpit, and of a bishop
or commissioner in dioceis. Yc arc of a busslc head, and in ingyne
APPENDIX. 715
Inclined to the Inventlouns of novatiouns, and pertinax, obstinat,
and wilful! in malnteaning your pcrellous inventiouns, that ye can-
not be induced to yeeld to reasoun. And, therefore, yee have beene
tlie cheefe author and j:)atron of thir late novatiouns and dissen-
tiouns bctuixt the ministrle and estate of bishops, wherin no little
trouble and unquietnesse has entered in the kirk. Ye were in the
counsell and advice of all the attemptats which have beene latelie
interprlsed against the king's obedience ; and most cheefelie, yee
withstood the authoritie of the king's late parliament, and was the
author of the protestatioun which was made in name of the kirk, at
the Croce of Edinburgh. Which vices, brother, I crave heartilie
to be reformed, that thereby the better quietnesse may be sett
doun in the kirk, to tlie increasse and advantage of om' professioun.
To D. F., J. Durie, J. B., J. Davidsone^ N. Dagleish, and remanent
Brethrein Ministers, ignorard Zeloters of Religioun.
BiiETHEE, — Yee have zeale with ignorance, and, therefore, yee
are not able to cutt the Lord's bread with discretioun, nather to sow
the Lord's seed Avith measure, nather to open the Word of God
Avith judgement ; Avherefore, your minis trie is more perellous nor
profitable, as has beene provin, by dangerous experience, in our
land. Ye are all of an audacious and temerarious nature, bold to
dippc in the hid mystereis of theologie, wherein ye have small
intelligence. Ye are vehement in railing and reviling your prince
and superiours. Ye are seditious, by inflaming subjects against
their magistrats. Ye are diligent to comptroll the king's counsell
and estats. Yee are muche occupied in invectiouns against the
estate of bishops, and in detracting in publict of their maners and
behaviours. Ye avoAved in publict and in assembleis, that the seal-
ing on the king's persoun at Ruthven, and all the late rebellious at-
temptats, were lawful! and profitable for the kirk and commoun
Avealth. Ye are like flammes and firebrands ; like to Catiline the
Roman conspiratour, everie day to sett and burne your countrie in
flammes of intestine seditioun, Avhereby ye divert all the good men
71G APPENDIX.
from tlic following of our religioun ; and In convcrsatioim and
maners, spcclallic in drinking and corapanionrie, in Icing and de-
tracting yc may give excmplc to the most raylcrs, and greatest
skolds in the countrie. I remember a great part of you, being men
of mechanick professioun, or ellis Ignorant moonkes, Intruscd your-
self In the functioun of the minlstric In time of confusioun and ne-
cessitie. And so, your extraordinarie calling has produced percllous
effects in our kirk and countrie. Wherefore, I an:i in opinioun,
that now, in time of better order, and where there is no so great
necessitle of men of your qualiteis and dispositions, that by the
authorltie of the kirk, ye sail be dispossessed from the usurped pos-
sessioun of the ministrie, and remitted again to your former estats
and conditiouns ; whereby the kirk may be purged from your cor-
ruptions, the countrie might be delivered from your trouble, and so
better peace and qviietnesse may be Interteaned among all the
estats, to the glory of God and weelefiire of our countrie. The
Lord grant this good intentioun may enter In the kirk's counsells,
and to give you humble and quiett mindes to obey the same.
To Mr Jolmc Craig, Juline Duncansone, and Mr Peter Blekhurne.
Brether, — The Avorthinesse of the places which ye three occu-
ple requires a correspondent Avorthinesse In your persons. Where-
fore, 1 have thought expedient to admonishe you In the name of
God, to reforme some generall and particular corruptlouns in your
selves, Avhereby your ministrie may be more profitable to the honour-
able pjaces Avhere ye serve. First, ye are all three of an avaritious
and greedie nature, which yee knoAV the apostle affirmeth to be the
root of all sirme. Ye are malicious and Invyfull, Avhich proceeds
of an evill spirit, and instigatioun of Satan. Ye are fained and
double In all your proceedings, although yo knoAv that single and
upright dealing is the cheefe ornament of the ministrie.
And ye, brother, Mr Craig, are vehementlie bruited to be a
quiett usurer, albeit ye read in the Scriptures that usurers sail not
inhcrite the Lord's tabernacle. And ye, Johne Duncansone, are
APPENDIX. 717
muclie addicted to your ease and bellle, and has procured pluralitle
of benefices, wlierof ye are natlier able nor willing to discharge the
cure. And as I understand by commoun complaint of the mini-
strie in the North^ our brother, Mr Craig, has conveyed the whole
superplus of the fruicts In the diode of Aberdeene to his particular
stipend, whereby the said ministrie is redacted to miserable povertle.
And ye, brother, Mr Peter Blekburne, are bruited of a proud and
ambitious minde and incllnatioun, and to have learned the lessouns
of seditioun and rebellloun against the prince, for troubling the
estate by the novatiouns of Mr Andrew Melvill, a man whom I
would wishe to be of more quiett dispositioun.
Ye are bruted to exerce your discij)llne Avith suche severitie and
austeritie, that thereby ye are like to eject moe men from the
kirk nor ye are by your doctrine to adjoyne thereto, albeit ye know
that over great severitie used by the fathers in ancient times gave
great occasiouns to tlie rysings of schlsmes and lieresels, whereby
the unitie of the kirk was miserablie confounded. Vriierefore, I
exhort you all, then, to amend thir forsaid corruptiouns, whereby
your honorable audience may be Instructed by your doctrine, and
taught by the better exemple of your behaviour and conversatioun.
ADMONITIONS TO MRS ANDEEW AND JAMES MELVILLS, PATRIK
GALLOWAY, "WALTER BALCALQUALL, JAMES CARMICHAEL, AND
ANDREW POLW^ART, FUGITIVE BRETHREIN, NOW PRESENT IN
ENGLAND.
Brether, — My conscience is vehementlie troubled, when I re-
member that I deserted my vocatioun and flocke without just cans ;
and, speclallie, upon the intentloun to raise a commoun trouble in
the countrie, and miscontentment in the subjects against my natu-
rall prince. In which intentloun and course, brethrein, yee heere
present, and the greatest part of the ministrie at home, were all
associat, and communed with me ; wherof I can find no warrant,
nather out of the Word, nor by exemple of the primitive kirk, nor
yitt firme, solide, or good reason ; but rather, in the contrare, to be
718 APPENDIX.
increasse of my displeasure: the more diligent and earnest that I
am to seeke the warrant of my conscience in this unhappie attcmptat,
I find the greater difficultie therin. And, therefore, am brought
in conscience to damne our course and intentiouns, and exhort you
all, with myself, to convert to the onlie and soverane remeid, which
is, the mercie of our God, the clemencie of our prince, and pitie of
our flockes. In my opinioun, this is the onlie warrant and releefe of
our afflicted and sorrowfull conscience, and sail give and minister,
by our conversatioun and conversioun, a godlie and profitable
exemple to the noblemen, banished heere for the like caus, to fol-
low and embrace the semblable remeed.
We are more than blind, brether, if we see not our greater
thraldome in bodie and conscience, in this land of our refuge, nor
we perceaved in our own native countrie ; which is the punishement
of God for our deservings, and abuse of the great libertie which
we injoyed at home. See ^ye not, that a v>'oman raignes head in
policie,both temporall and spirituall, in this land of England, against
our sound of the Blast of the Trumpet, and against our protesta-
tiouns made by us of the late act of Parliament ? And so, Ave are
forced to suffer, in a forrane land, that which we thought intolerable
in our owne kingdome. We see the estat of bishops authorised
in this reahne, with great honours and immuniteis, against the
dcterminatioun of our Generall Assemblcis. We sec ancient
ceremoneis and traditiouns receavcd in the cxternall religioun,
which we reckon to be superstitioun and idolatrie. And where the
puritie of godlie reformatioun ? No man has place heere to tcache
in pulpit or schooles, but by the tcstimonie of the bishop his ordi-
nar, against the authoritie of our presbytercis. We see the bishops
are judges above pastors, contrare to our pretended equalitie in the
estate of the kirk. And so, to conclude, in seeking libertie we have
found servitude ; in seeking puritie we have found corruptioun ;
whereof, I desu'c you all to gather this admonitioun, That God has
compelled us, in our adversitic, to learne, that we unreasonablie
usurped in our owne countrie that no other natioun can permitt,
and which is not expedient nor tolerable for us to injoy.
APPENDIX. 719
THE FOURTH ARTICLE : CONCERNING CERTAN EXHORTATIONS
DIRECTED BY THE AUTHOR TO THE PERSONS FOLLOWING : —
1. To the Qucen^s Majestie of England.
Albeit, most honourable princesse, it is not pertinent that I, a
stranger, sail seeme curious in your conimoun wealth ; yitt, becaus
I am borne in this island, and at this time in your Majestie's pro-
tectioun, in testimonie of my great minde for your benevolence,
and to redeeme your honour from blame and reproache, I have,
with your Majestie's patience, taikin boldnesse to indyte, in time
of my extremitie, thir few lynes, which, in all submissioun and
humilitie, I present unto your Hienesse, Avherin I crave your par-
doun, in the naikednesse and simplicitie of my words and argument,
proceeding always from a whole minde, albeit the judging in bodie
be now debilitat.
First, I consider that your Majestie has propouned your owne
particular standing and securitie to be the end of all your high
counsells and deliberatiouns. To come at anes, and to conserve
this felicitie, your Grace, (with your pardoun,) as is reported, fol-
io wes manic unlawfull meanes. It is said, that ye kindle and foster
the flammes of dissensioun in all the kingdoms of Europe, wherin
the floorishing estate of Flanders, France, Spaine, Scotland, are
presentlie burning, and almost consumed. And becaus thir fires
must be nourished by moycn, which your halfe yland may not
sufficientlie suppeditat unto you, ye arebrutedto spoile and invade,
by sea and by land, the goods of all natiouns, without respect or
discretioun. It is said, that ye cover unfaithfull and cruell at-
tempts, and the violatioun of the conditioun of peace promised to
other princes, under the cloake of the cans and patrocinie of rc-
ligioun, that no reformatioun may be attempted against you at
home. It is spokin, that 'ye have cruellie slaine, exiled, and im-
})risoned the greatest part of the noble and ancient blood of your
realme, that ye sould not bring furth the birth which might burst
720 APPENDIX.
you, as Is writtin of the nature of the viper. Ye have absteaned
from manage, albeit to the great reproache of your fame, and
contempt of your God. Least credible report sail be receavcd, ye
reteane the successioun of your crowne unccrtane, becaus, if ye
sould declare your successour, ye think moe sould looke to the
sunne rysing nor to the fall and cadencie therof ; speciallic, scing
there have appeared so manie bloodie eclipses in your appearing
and shyning. It is bruted, that yce interteane the King of Scot-
land in esperance of your good will to the crowne of England, as
also, to deale in like maner with the hous of Cumberland, pretend-
ed contradictor to his Majestic ; and that, to assure yourself for the
present, and cares not, if ye have quletnesse in your time, what
fire and sword sail consume England after you ; yea, as the
tyranne speekes, if ye stand in the port, though the heaven mixe
and confound with the earth therafter.
Madame, I grant it is tolerable and nccessar, that princes sould
provide for their standing and securitie, speciallic in thir perel-
lous times and age ; but yitt, by following godlie, lawfull, and
honorable meanes ; by peace, amitie, and freindship with princes,
their nighbours beside them, which assurcdlie are the most certane
pillars of quietnesse. And becaus ye are approaching, to stirre
and raise the subjects of Christian princes to rebcll against their
nxiturall sovd'anes, under the colour of propagatioun of religioun,
the commoun cans of religioun is become thereby suspect and
odious to all Christian princes, as though the professours therof in-
tended, in the establishment of the reformed religioun, to deject
and overthrow the sceptres and thrones of kings and monarchs.
Wliercforc, INIadame, in respect of the reproaches whereby your
vertues and honours arc stained amongst all natiouns, I humblie
exhort your Majestic to a quictt spirit and dispositioun, speciallic
in your age and gray haires ; and to permitt your nighbours to
governe their owne subjects, as tliey will answerc upon their compt
and obedience to the great God, of whom they have receavcd their
administratioun. Lett your Majestic sattle your owne land and
crowne, that your pcrpetuall fame and memorie may be nobilitat
APPENDIX, 721
after you. I exhort your Majestic not to unquiett the young King
of Scotland, a prince of all good expectatioun, if his vertuous in-
clinatioun were not interrupted. Suffer him, without molestatioun,
to administer his owne estate, as ye would be suffered in the
peaceable administratioun of yours ; and if your Majestic lookes to
be praised of the commoun weale, nobilitie, and subjects, after
your deceasse, lett them not have occasioun to reproache you, that
ye have regarded more your present standing and securitie, nor
respected the commoun weelefare and quietnesse of your kingdome
to continue after you. Take good and solide order in your owne
time, that the contradictiouns which may arise after you, in the
challenging of the crowne of England, may be finallie composed,
whereby your name may be blessed in all posteritie ; otherwise,
remember, that the subjects of England, in the civill armour, will
open their mouths to curse your negligence, and to regrate that in
your life ye were onlie studious and carefuU for your self, and
carelesse of the republict. And, therefore, with yourself sail be
bmied that honour for which ye are this day so contentious.
Remember, Madame, the exemples of the ancient Romans, whose
names are in honourable register, becaus they preferred the re-
publict to their owne life ; of whom, some degraded themselves
willinglie from the publict honours, to pacific the publict imquiet-
nesse. Remember, in your owne dayes, the voluntarie fact of
Charles the V., great Emperour of the Almaines, who, about the
yeeres of your owne age, being satisfied with honours worldlie,
upon intentioun to quiett his kingdome and subjects, declared in
his owne time his successour; and, therafter, contemning the
world, gave himself to his privat contemplatiouns : whose end was
so honourable and blessed, that his life, name, and death, remaines
in worthie and honom'able memorie. And seing, Madame, ye are
now growne in yeeres, and full in all worthie honours, if ye were
assured of a happie and blessed ending, and honourable fame ther-
after, wherunto, in my opinioun, ye may most assuredlie atteane,
if it will please your Majestic to establish the quietnesse of your
crowne and subjects in the young King of Scotland, your undoubt-
YOL. IV. 2 z
722 APPENDIX.
ed heyi*e and successour, by whose promotioiin and conjunctioim
with your good intentiouns, this whole iland shall be reduced to
uniformitie, and your Majestic sail be the instrument of establish-
ing a wealthie and potent irapyre, Avhereby your reputatioun sail
be greater nor if ye had conquered dominioun in forrane lands and
countreis, and the subjects of this iland sail praise and reverence
your name in all posteritie. God grant your Majestic to rcceave
this my simple exhortatioun in als good part as the same has pro-
ceeded from my single heart and affectioun towards your Grace,
and the quietnesse of this iland.
EXHOKTATION TO THE KING's MAJESTIE OF SCOTLAND.
As God hath indued your Majestic with rare and princelie ver-
tueSj above all other princes in Europ, sua, he craves of your Grace
the right administratioun and dispensatioun of his gifts, in the go-
verneraent of your kingdome, which he has committed to you ;
the which commission, as I understand, is givin in two articles :
The former is, your obedience to this great God, your superiour ;
the secund is, in the impyring rightlie above your subjects and
your inferiours. In the former, ye are bound to obey the lawes of
your God ; in the secund, your subjects are bound to obey your
lawcs and constitutiouns.
But becaus the prince is not able in his owne person to admini-
strat and beare the charge of the whole estate, therefore, the ancient
exemples from Holie Scriptures, and precepts of your owne posi-
tive lawes, has induced your lieutenants and officiars to comport
under the soverane prince, the burthein of the publict estate and
efFaires in the kingdome ; the electioun of Avhom is the cheefe and
best part in the king's governement, that they be chosin men of
qualitie correspondent to their charges. And to convert this ora-
tioun to your owne estate, your officiars or lieutenants in your king-
dome are of two rankes, according to the constitutioun of your
countrie : the one is in the estat ecclesiastick, the other is in the
temporall. Give heed, therefore. Sir, that both be advisedlie and
APPENDIX. 723
discreetlie elected, seing they are your under pillars, to beare and
support the swey and burthein of your estate ; but speciallie, Sir,
provide that your ecclesiastick officiars be men of good dispositioun,
becaus the people and multitude esteeme most of their exemples,
in respect their calling and vocatioun is in opinioun to have place
in the conscience ; as also, if they be men of perverse inclinatioun,
in respect they are publict orators, may move alteratioun in your
estate. Wherefore, I beseeke your Majestic to be careftdl that
thir officiars be men of good inclinatioun to peace and to quietnesse,
and speciallie to your owne obedience, wherof I grant the number
has beene small thir yeeres bygane, wherupon all thir debates have
risin in your land, and by the samine men (alas !) yitt are
fostered.
The first cans and origine of this enormitie in the ecclesiastick
officiars, in my opinioun, proceeded from the dissensiouns in the
beginning of the alteratioun of religioun, wherin the first preachers,
in defense of their extraordinar calling and proceeding, were forced
to impugne the authoritie of the magistrat and kirk for the time.
Which libertie being some colour, becaus the magistrat and kirk-
men were opposite to the reformatioun offered, has caried with it
now a perellous imitatioun ; that, albeit the prince and kirkmen be
now of uniforme religioun with the ministrie, yitt theyceasse not to
innovat and impugne the estats, becaus they would acclame the
libertie of exclamatiouns, which were somewhat tolerable in them-
selves ; and becaus they refuse to be ruled by their superiours, and
have induced a confused equalitie in the ecclesiastick estate.
Wherefore, Sir, my opinioun is, that your Majestic sail not easilie
quiett your estate and countrie, unlesse ye reduce the popular men
of the ministrie to be commaunded to rule their affectiouns by the
moderatioun of some learned and discreet men, answerable to your
Hienesse. Lyke as the princes in the primitive kirk, for eviting
of schismes, sects, and factiouns, whereby their kingdomes were
disquietted, they ratified the governement of bishops, who gave
good experience how necessarie and profitable their office was,
to the quiett administratioun of Christian kingdoms ; in whose
724 APPENDIX.
exemples I -will humblle requeist your Majestie to insist, notwith-
standing the dissuasiouns and contradictiouns proponed in the con-
trare. As to your civill officiars, the corruptiouns are innumerable
in their administration ; for in your supreme parhament, the greatest
part therof is of little counsell, which your Grace cannot reforme,
but by tolerance and successioun of time.
The Nixt, which is your Grace's Counsell, is almost in your
Grace's electioun and discretioun. But becaus of your Majestie's
minoritie, great abusses have been receaved heeretofore therin ;
and Avould to God the present counsell were not justlie blamed of
the like corruptiouns I It is shamefullie reported through all
natiouns, that your Majestie has made a commoun exchange to
satisfie the avarice of some in credite about you, or ellis to satisfie
the aiFectiouns of some princes, who have deserved weill of sache
as are presentlie with you. If this bruit be true, the Lord preserve
your Majestie from the unhappie counsellers, and graunt suche as
better tender your persoun, your honour, and weelefare of your
kingdome.
The Thrid is, your Sessioun, the which, as I understand, is this
day abused to the greatest tyrannic that may arise in your land ;
and would wishe that ather the same were better reformed, or
ellis that the ancient forme of judiciarie exerced in your kingdome,
before the erectioun of the said Sessioun, were reduced, where ac-
tiouns were quarterlie decided in the king's presence ; which was
to the furtherance of justice, and ease of your subjects : where as
now, the Sessioun serves for nought ellis but to spoile the countrie,
and inriche Edinburgh ; to spoile your other subjects, and inriche
your senators, advocats, and scribes, wherof some abound in suche
wealth, that there is no gold in the land but in their purses ; and
men of honour can scarcelie save their fathers' heritages fi'om the
direct or indirect conqueist of thir startups.
The Fourth is, yout Shlriffs, Balllffcs, and Justices of Regallteis ;
becaus their offices are heritage, and partlie themselves evill quali-
feid, committs the administratioun therof to unskilled and corrupted
depute, wherof has insued an universal! misorder in your land.
APPENDIX. 725
The Fyft Is, the High Justice of burrowes and priviledgecl
touns, amongst whom is seene, in like maner, the semblable or
greater imperfectiouns. And so, by this universall inlaike of
justice, and Impunltie of crimes and offenses, your whole kingdome
is miserablie disturbed by murther and homicide, by oppressloun
and theft, by fraud and deceate, that it Is a miracle, if the me-
morie or face of a republlct sould continue or appeare in this
great and odious confusioun. My opinioun were, for reformatloun
therof, seing your lawes are so welll institute, that ye sould talc
order onlie to see the same executed and obeyed, under the un-
pardonable penalteis conteanned therin.
Farther, if reports sould be beleeved, it is reported that your
Majestic Is vehementlie troubled with contrarious counsells, where-
by some intend, under colour of religioun, and esperance of the
Queene of England's favour in your birthright, to draw you In
a particular band with England, and so to hazard your ancient
frelndship with other Chrlstlane princes and kings. Some are
in opinioun that your Majestic sould keepe equall favour with
all Christian princes, and speclallle with your ancient frelndship,
unlesse it would please the Queen of England to discusse and
declare your right to that crowne In her owne time ; otherwise,
if ye sail losse your ancient friendship upon uncertane events, it
may be thought that the Queen of England's affectioun alter, as
weomen's mindes are variable, and would Inclyne to another suc-
cessloun, that when yee sail imploy your ancient frelndship, which
now they would move you to reject, ye sail not find them readie
at that opportunitle ; unto whose opinioun I more heartilie con-
descend, craving humblle your Majestle's patience of my presump-
tioun, who, being but a scholler, and unskilled In publict effaires,
have entered In the maters of your Majestle's persoun and estate,
which I heartilie crave that your Majestic will reasoun with all
good affectioun, as the same proceeds from my single, loving, and
obedient heart towards you.
72 G APPENDIX.
EXHORTATION TO THE NOBILITIE OF SCOTLAND.
Noble find ancient erles, lords, and barons of Scotland, remem-
ber the origine of your nobllitie, and conservatioun thcrof from the
dayes of your progenitors in your owne age, that ye be not abused,
by the stile and title of nobilitie, to forgett the ground and origine
whereupon the same is builded, and wherefra the same is deduced.
I suppose your progenitors were nobilitat by their virtuous acts,
reward, and advancement of their princes, as yourself may under-
stand by reading your ancient infeftments ; and sua, good service
to your prince has raised up your hous and digniteis, which also
has beene confirmed by the like means. Wherefore, I exhort you
all of the ancient nobilitie, that ye, by the exemple of your progeni-
tors, insist in the humble and heartie service of your prince and
countrie. And albeit the princes have their particular imperfectiouns,
yitt yee sould remember that yourselves are subject to the like or
greater. And, therefore, as ye think it is intolerable that your sub-
jects and inferiours sould have place to controll your maners, sup-
pose that it is likewise unseeming that your prince and superiours
sould be subject to your discipline. And remember, that when
ye presume against your prince and superiours, ye minister occa-
sioun to your inferiours to rebell against you. Remember that the
law of God, the lawes of your countrie, the band of your service,
your oath, and servitude to your prince, commaund you, which sould
be an assured warrant to you against all the seditious perswasiouns
which darre be propouned to you in the contrare. lieniember,
that as ye esteeme ye may lawfullie displace and forefault your
inferiours for their disobedience against you, your prince and supe-
riours has greater place and power to punishe your rebellioun
ao-ainst him. Remember how odious your memorie sail be if it sail
be reo-istered of new, tliat ye have lossed by your rebellioun against
your prince that nobilitie, dignitic, and rent, which your progeni-
tors acquired by faithfull and obedient service ; wherin if ye offend,
I am assured, your fathers from the heaven will lament there is
APPENDIX. 727
suclie posteritie descended of them. Wherefore, I exhort you, that
thir curious correctiouns of your prince's maners enter not among
you ; but whatsoever the prince be in his particular behaviour, ye
reverence his persoun and obey his authoritie, wherin the blessing
of quietnesse and prosperitie may enter and continue with your-
selves and your posteritie.
Certanelie, I am sorie that some of our professioun of the mini-
strie are perswaders of you to esteeme irreverentlie of the prince ;
which their counsells, proceeding from the laike of judgement in
the ignorant among them, and from malice in the most learned sort,
becaus princes impugne the novatiouns which they attempt in the
estate, and becaus the greatest part of recent writters in the argu-
ment of tlieologie are popular men of the Cantons of the Switzers,
■;he ministers of the citie of Geneva ; enemeis to the estate of
monarchs and nobilitie, whose commentars are dispersed with sen-
tences derogating to the reverend estate of kings ; which works and
commentars being inconsideratelie read, and indiscreetlie applyed
by our malicious and ignorant ministers, breeds a great contempt
in the hearts of the people against the estate of kings and nobilitie.
Wherefore, it is expedient that your Honours be forewarned, and
the said ministrie, for your'publict quietnesse, be ordered and ruled
under the regiment of some weill affected men to the estate of
imnces and nobilitie. For the which cans, in my opinioun, the
estate of bishops is necessar in your land, which they this day so
vehementlie impugne, for no other cans, but that, in the abolishing
therof, they make the greater and more easie assault against your
whole monarchic and remanent estats, to reduce the same to popu-
lar governement, as ye may read has been practised in the natiouns
where their counsells have been receaved. Wherefore, I exhort
your Honours to be forewarned, lest ye be abused by popular mini-
sters, instructed by the commentars of popular doctors, to applie
the publict doctrine and privat admonitiouns to the indirect over-
throw of your ancient estate, under the perellous colour of the
puritie in religioun, and reformatioun of the ecclesiasticall policie
and discipline, by the apostolick exemple, thereby to reduce a con-
728 APPENDIX.
iused equalltie wltliin the estat ecclesiastick, and thereby to attempt
the like in your estate temporal!, etc.
EXHORTATION TO THE BURROWES OF SCOTLAND.
As I have learned by reading of ancient historeis, and experience
of the late time, the prosperitie of touns and citeis proceeds fi'oni
the commoun quietnesse in the estate, and particular vertue and in-
dustrie of the inhabitants ; as by the contrare the decay comes by
the contrare occasiouns ; and seing God has blessed your land with
profitable moyens, if the same were industriouslie used, then the
occasioun of your present povertie is to be attributed to the ti'oubles
and unquietnesse in the commoun estate, and to the particular ne-
gligence of your inhabitants. Then, brethrein, your part is, to be
studious of peace and tranquillitie in the whole kingdome, and spe-
ciallie, to suffer no dissensioun enter into the walls of your citeis,
which is the fire of your owne consumptioun, and to tak order that
your inhabitants use vertuous trade and industrie. Ye sail easilie
eshew the fire of dissensioun if ye leane to the obedience of your
king and supreme magistrat. Ye sail induce and conserve vertue
in your citie, if ye putt your privat constitutiouns in perfyte obedi-
ence and executioun.
I have observed diverse impediments and alteratiouns, whereby,
in the times bygane, ye have beene diverted from tlie right course
of quietnesse and prosperitie, by the questiouns and alteratiouns in
religioun, whereby the estate was troubled. Ye entered your-
selves against the power of the magistrat for the time, and by ig-
norant zealc ye overthrew and dejected the ecclesiasticaU estate,
by whose standing ye Avere in ancient time advanced and support-
ed. The noblemen of the countrie, divided in factiouns, did also,
under colour of a commoun cans, practise your favour and concur-
rence, wherin some of them falling in male grace with the prince,
drew you to participat the same reward, and in the end left you to
your owne ransoms. Your eldermen and magistrats are often
times elected, or rather iutruscd upon you, of diverse rank and pro-
ArrENDix. 729
fessloun from yours, who are ather ignorant or ellls negligent in
your publict effaires, and onlie carefull to intertaine your citicens
at their particular devotioun, whereby the executioun of your con-
stitutiouns are neglected, and thereby vertue and industrie ceasse
among you, vice and prodigalitie confound your estate. The
names of the clannes of the countrie are priviledged within you,
upon their oath to the observance of your constitutions, and de-
fense of your republick, who, oftentimes disremenibring their pro-
mised fidelitie, decline to the particular favour of their kinred, and
thereby become factious and troublesome in your citeis. The last
and most dangerous perell is, when, in the conformitie of religioun
and governement of a godlie and good prince, ye are abused, under
the cloke of religioun and commoun weale, to follow privat and
particular querrells.
The remeed of thir former impediments is easie : for now, by the
grace of God, the prince, the estats, and the people, are reduced to
an uniforme professioun of one onlie religioun, whcrin the occasioun
of that controversie, whereby the estate in generall, and ye in par-
ticular, were troubled, is takin away. If yee sail consider, that by
yom' ancient erections in heritage and priviledges, ye are onlie
astricted in service, homage, and obedience to your prince, then ye
sail not be moved to enter in particular factiouns. If your elder-
men be elected of your owne burgesses, indwellers, and traffiquers,
according to your ancient constitutions, and the professioun and
qualiteis required in your owne law, then assuredlie ye may looke,
that, by their care and diligence, vertue and Industrie sail floorish
among you. As to your new citicens, descended of names and
clans in the countrie, I am in opinioun that none of them sould
participat your publict honours, whill their minde and affection
were sufficientlie tryed to your republick, the clerk, and commoun
cans. Concerning particular men's affectiouns, they arc easilie
discovered by the nature and intcntioun of their attemptats. For
if in this time men attempt to impugne the king, the estats, and
his lawes, then ye may sufficientlie imderstand that particular ma-
lice is cloked with the colour of the commoun caus : and Avould to
VOL. IV. 3 A
730 APPENDIX.
God ye had diligentlie used your discretioun in times bygaue, when
ye have beene at cverie occasioun inflammed to embrace the de-
fense of everie perellous actioun, under the blind zeale of religioun
and republict.
But yitt there rests one perell, which is almost inevitable, when
ye are instigat to rebellioun by the voice of preachers, of whom
the most subtle and eloquent are placed in your pulpits, to mak
insurrectioun, and assist the factions in the land, as now latelie has
beene practised, when as, by their intysement and perswasion, ye
have been moved to allow and assist the attemptats of liuthven
and Stirline ; against the which dangerous perell yee sail arme
yourself, if yee esteerae that it is altogether unlawfull that subjects
sould rebell against their prince ; and if yee sail remember, that
ministers are men subject to the like, and would to God, to no
greater, corruptiouns and affections nor other men of civill profes-
siouns ; and if yee sail compell them to keep them within the
bounds of their owne calling and vocation, wherefra, if they sail
exceed, ye are not bound to their affectioned counsell.
EXHORTATION TO THE BISHOPS OF SCOTLAND.
The title of Prelats, which signifeis preferment, is attribut in an-
tiquitie to bishops, in consideration of their honorable place in the
ecclesiasticall regiment, that thereby the persons in that prefer-
ment sould be advertised what is their office and authoritie ; and
the inferiour pastors, what sould be their obedience to their supe-
riour prelats and bishops. For as concerning equalitie in eccle-
siasticall regiment, albeit I was in that commoun errom* with the
rest of our ministrie, yitt, in my greater leasure, I have diligentlie
searched and considered the estate, both of the apostolick kirk
under the crosse, authorized onlie by the favours of the multitude,
as also of the estate of the primitive kirk theraftcr, when the Evan-
gell was receaved by the Christian Empcrours, and can find in
nather of them the exemple of our pretended equalitie. For as to
the apostolick discipline, I find a great diversitie in the office-
APPENDIX. 731
bearers among them. And albeit that the cheefe offices, to judge
the brethrein, and to choose and elect pastors, was not perpetuaU
in one man's person, that mutabilitie is to be attribute to the dan-
gers of the time and nature of the apostolick office, which was not
to be resident at one place, but to sound the trumpet of the Gos-
pell in all the coasts of the earth. And albeit there Avas some ap-
pearance of equalitie among the apostles, in whose regiment and dis-
cipline, yitt I cannot find a commaund, that their forme sould be per-
petuall in that point ; and, therefore, am in opinioun, that a great
part of the apostolick discipline was temporall ; and am induced
so to beleeve, by the grave judgement of the primitive kirk imme-
diatlie succeeding the apostles, in Avhose regiment and discipline I
read that the honourable estate of bishops was receaved ; and also,
in the dayes of Constantine, Theodosius, and other godlie empe-
rours, who confirmed the said estate, the Avhich has continued with
great honour and praise Avhill thir late dayes, wherin some curious
men, desirous to be authors of sects and novations, have travelled
to alter that estate. In which intentioun, I grant, I Avas sometime
myself, and wherof now I repent. 1 remember, in the beginning
of the reformed religioun of Scotland, there was nothing more de-
sired by our first ministers, than that good and learned men sould
be promoted to that estate. For the which cans, publict and privat
prayers were conceaved, and diverse supplicatiouns direct from the
Generall Assemblies to the queen's Majestic, our king's mother, to
provide qualifeid men, when the place of bishops present sould
vaike. As also, in time of the king's minoritie, a solide order was
established, by consent of commissioners from the king, and from
the Generall Assemblie, of the forme to be observed in electioun
and inauguration of bishops ; which forme was observed in the
time of all the king's regents, without oppositioun, whill of late,
that the king has receaved the administratioun in his owne person,
that controversie was raised in the electioun of the Bishop of Glas-
gow ; speciallie, as I suppose, to give an occasioun to the altera-
tioun of the Duke of Lennox, which succeeded shortlie. I am in
opinioun, that albeit unquiett men have intended, and presumed to
732 APPENDIX.
impugne that estate, yitt if the bisliops of Scotland had bcenc men
of worthie qualiteis correspondent to their honorable offices, the
first authors of that debate would have hardlie uttered their inten-
tiouns ; and if they had so done, their purpose sould have fallin by
the gravitie and weightinesse of the persouns in that estate. But,
seing among all our bishops there were few or none that merited
that honorable place, therefore, the adversarcis of that estate has
found the more easie occasioun to impugne and overthrow the
same. Wherefore, I will earnestlie crave of his Majestic, that
suche as are prcsentlie learned and qualifeid men in that estate
may be honoured, mainteaned, and conforted by his Majestie's fa-
vour, against all their adversareis ; as also, I exhort them to stand
in defense of their owne professioun and estate, for the which they
have so evident warrant from the Word of God and exemple of
antiquitie. I humblie crave also, that where the places of bishops
are not provided with men of learning and care, that his Majestie
v/ill motioun these persouns to be satisfeid Avith some other recom-
pense, and to dimitt the places to others better qualifeid. Which in-
tentioun I pray God may enter in his Majestie's heart, in the per-
formance wherof, all thir controverseis sail be pacifeid, and quiet-
nesse sail be embraced in our kirk and kingdomc.
END OF THE FOURTH VOLUME.
KPINRUIIOII PUINTI.'<0 COMI'AMV, SOtlTI! ST DAVID STrjI'.KT.
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